REPORT: Chicago’s Sky Angel Reese Set to Have Incredibly Low WNBA Salary Next Year
Angel Reese made waves during her time at LSU, leading the team to a national championship victory in 2023, where her dominant performances in the tournament earned her widespread acclaim.
Her rebounding prowess, scoring ability, and emotional leadership on the court helped solidify her as one of the top talents in women’s basketball. Throughout her college career, Reese became a household name, particularly after a heated, high-profile championship game against Iowa and its star player, Caitlin Clark.
Reese’s rise to stardom caught the attention of WNBA scouts, and it was no surprise when she was selected as one of the top picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. Her potential as a game-changing player was clear, and fans were eager to see her take the next step in her career.
The Shocking Salary News
However, despite her immense talent and popularity, Reese is reportedly set to sign a contract with a salary that is considered surprisingly low for a player of her caliber. According to sources close to the WNBA, Reese’s contract with the Sky will be on par with the league’s minimum salary for rookies—just under $60,000 for her first year in the league.
While $60,000 might sound like a significant sum for many, it is a stark contrast to the wages seen in other professional leagues, particularly in men’s sports. The WNBA has long struggled with pay disparities, with its players often earning a fraction of what NBA players make.
Despite the growing popularity of the league and the increasing visibility of its stars, many WNBA players are still not compensated at the level that reflects their marketability, skill, and contributions to the sport.
A Broader Issue in Women’s Sports
The issue of low pay in the WNBA is not new. The league has consistently faced criticism for the financial disparity between male and female athletes, and Angel Reese’s reported salary is just the latest example of how women’s professional sports remain underpaid in comparison to their male counterparts.
Reese’s situation shines a light on a broader systemic issue in women’s sports, where many athletes are forced to play overseas during the offseason to supplement their income. This creates an untenable situation where top-tier athletes like Reese, who should be able to focus entirely on their craft in the WNBA, are forced to seek out additional income in order to make ends meet.
The low salaries in the WNBA have been a hot topic for years, with many players using their platforms to speak out about the need for better compensation. Stars like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and others have long advocated for a change, pointing to the enormous revenue generated by women’s sports, especially in terms of merchandise sales, sponsorships, and increased television viewership. Yet, despite these efforts, the pay disparity remains a persistent issue.
The Financial Landscape of the WNBA
The WNBA’s financial structure has long been a subject of debate. While the league has made strides in terms of visibility and growth, it remains significantly less profitable than the NBA. The salary cap for WNBA teams is much lower than that of the NBA, which directly impacts player salaries. The league’s smaller television deals and sponsorships compared to their male counterparts also limit the financial resources available to pay players.
In recent years, however, there has been growing momentum for change. In 2020, the WNBA and the Players Association reached a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that increased player salaries and improved benefits, including a larger share of revenue for players. Still, the average salary in the league hovers around $130,000, which is much lower than the millions earned by NBA stars.
With Angel Reese expected to make even less than that average, the news highlights the ongoing struggle for financial equity in women’s sports.
What Does This Mean for Reese’s Future?
While Reese’s low salary is a disappointing reflection of the current state of the WNBA, her incredible talent and immense popularity could lead to other financial opportunities. Reese is expected to be a huge draw for sponsors and advertisers, and her marketability off the court could generate significant income through endorsements and partnerships.
Reese, much like many other WNBA stars, will likely explore off-court opportunities to supplement her income, much as players like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and others have done. With a large social media following and strong personal brand, Reese has the potential to earn far beyond her WNBA contract through endorsement deals with major brands, social media partnerships, and appearances.
However, it is undeniable that the salary discrepancy remains a major issue that needs to be addressed if the WNBA is to continue its growth and truly honor the talents of its players.
A Call for Change
Reese’s situation underscores the larger conversation about pay equity in women’s sports. As the WNBA continues to gain visibility and popularity, it’s crucial for the league, its players, and its fans to advocate for better compensation. It’s clear that players like Angel Reese deserve to be paid in a way that reflects their talent, marketability, and contributions to the sport.
For now, Reese and other WNBA rookies will have to navigate a system that still lags behind when it comes to providing fair financial compensation for their hard work and dedication. As the league progresses, the hope is that future players won’t have to face the same financial struggles that have become all too common in women’s professional sports.
