Angel Reese, a rising basketball star who has already earned her stripes as a veteran at just 22 years old, has been a dominant force for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Known for her incredible athleticism, fierce competitiveness, and ability to shine in high-pressure situations, Reese is a beacon for the next generation of basketball players. But behind her electric performances on the court, the young superstar is grappling with a growing frustration shared by many of her peers: the WNBA’s persistently low salaries despite the league’s increasing popularity.
In a candid interview, Reese did not hold back as she opened up about the financial challenges faced by WNBA players. “It’s honestly frustrating,” she said. “We’re out here giving our all, playing in front of packed arenas, growing the game, building our brand—but when it comes to compensation, it’s just not adding up. We deserve more, and it’s time for the league to do something about it.”
Reese’s frustration echoes a sentiment felt by many WNBA players who have been vocal about the league’s compensation issues in recent years. Despite the WNBA’s steady rise in viewership, increased media coverage, and sponsorship deals, the salaries of its players remain a fraction of what their male counterparts in the NBA make. The maximum salary for a WNBA player in 2023 was just under $230,000, while the average NBA salary was well over $8 million.
For Reese, who has quickly become a household name in Chicago and beyond, the disparity is glaring. “It’s not just about me,” she explained. “It’s about all the talented women who are making sacrifices, working multiple jobs during the offseason just to make ends meet. We give everything to this league, and it feels like the league isn’t giving back.”
Reese’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. After an impressive college career, she was drafted by the Chicago Sky at a young age and immediately made an impact. Her tenacity, leadership, and ability to play multiple positions have made her a cornerstone of the franchise. But despite her success, she, like many other WNBA stars, feels undervalued by the current system.
“The WNBA is growing, and we’re finally getting the attention we deserve. But with that comes the expectation that we’ll also be fairly compensated. It’s hard to feel like we’re taken seriously when we’re not paid what we’re worth,” Reese added. “We’re not asking for NBA-level contracts—we know that’s a different scale. But we deserve to be paid in line with the revenue and success we’re bringing to the league.”
Her remarks come at a time when the WNBA has been experiencing unprecedented growth. Viewership for the 2023 WNBA Finals hit record highs, and player endorsements are on the rise. Yet, the issue of player compensation remains a sticking point for many.
Reese’s comments could potentially reignite the conversation about pay equity in women’s sports. The NBA has long supported the WNBA, but the two leagues operate under different financial structures, and bridging the gap between their salaries will likely require continued advocacy from players, fans, and organizations alike.
For now, Reese is focused on her game, but her message is clear: the time for change is now. “I love this game, and I’ll keep giving it everything I have. But I’ll also keep fighting for what’s right. We deserve to be paid for the work we put in, for the entertainment we provide, and for the role we play in growing the sport. It’s time.”
As one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, Reese’s voice adds weight to the ongoing push for better salaries and benefits for women in sports. Her willingness to speak out, even as a young player, signals a shift in the way athletes are approaching the conversation about pay equity in professional sports. Whether her words will lead to concrete changes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Angel Reese won’t be backing down anytime soon.
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