Angel Reese, the standout star from the WNBA, recently took to social media to voice her thoughts about player salaries while celebrating her team’s triumph in the inaugural Unrivaled championship. Reese and her team, the Rose basketball club, secured the title by defeating the Vinyl with a score of 62-54. Each player, including Reese, earned a bonus of $50,000 for their victory.
In her celebratory posts on X, Reese made light of the league’s pay structure. She stressed the importance of the bonus to her current situation, mentioning that the $50,000 she earned was significant given her rookie contract. When a fan requested some of her winnings, she humorously replied that she needed to keep as much money as possible at this stage in her career. “I’m on a rookie contract & that 50k was a little more than half of my contract so I have to keep that to myself…. Sorry. Give me a few years and I gotchu,” she said.
Reese, who was named the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, has been vocal in her criticism of the league’s salaries, especially when compared to the male-dominated NBA. Last year, she jokingly remarked about her expensive living expenses, which include an $8,000 rent for her apartment in downtown Chicago, lamenting that the WNBA couldn’t even cover one of her bills.
Her current rookie contract spans four years for a total of $324,383, averaging about $81,096 annually. In contrast, male players in the NBA can earn staggering sums, often reaching tens of millions per season. This pay gap between male and female athletes has garnered attention, particularly as female players like Reese gain popularity and draw large audiences.
On her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese emphasized the need for fair compensation for WNBA players, hinting that players may consider sitting out until a better deal is reached. As discussions regarding salary and contract negotiations continue, there is a growing call for greater equality in pay within women’s sports. The WNBA players are currently navigating their collective bargaining agreement, aiming for improvements that reflect their contributions to the league’s success.
