WNBA star Angel Reese recently shared her financial struggles as she transitions from a collegiate basketball career to the professional league. The Chicago Sky rookie revealed that her $74,000 annual WNBA salary isn’t sufficient to cover her $8,000-a-month rent. Despite her earnings from endorsements, Reese emphasized the challenges WNBA players face in comparison to their NBA counterparts, bringing attention to the disparity in professional sports salaries.
Reese, known for her stellar performance at LSU, secured several endorsement deals during her collegiate career under the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which earned her a seven-figure income. However, her WNBA salary, even as a first-round draft pick, highlights the financial limitations many women athletes encounter when compared to other professional sports leagues.
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While Reese remains optimistic about her future and continues to grow her personal brand, she acknowledged that many WNBA players need additional income sources to meet their living expenses. Endorsements remain a significant part of her financial support, as she’s landed deals with major brands like Reebok and Beats by Dre.
In response to critics who have been “pocket-watching” her income, Reese pointed out that while the WNBA salary may seem low, her endorsement deals and passion for the game keep her motivated. She continues to focus on playing the sport she loves while advocating for better financial opportunities for women athletes.
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The WNBA has faced ongoing criticism for its salary disparities, but Reese’s story has reignited the conversation around fair pay and financial security for athletes in women’s sports. Her candidness highlights the ongoing efforts to increase visibility and revenue for the league, which could ultimately benefit future players.
