Sep 22, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; WNBA basketball player Angel Reese attends the game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Angel Reese Speaks Out on WNBA Salary, Highlights Pay Gap

Being an WNBA All-Star doesn't guarantee you a big paycheck

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rookie forward, recently voiced her perspective on WNBA salaries, sparking discussions across social media.

Reese, who joined the WNBA with a four-year contract worth $324,383, shared that her base salary of around $73,000 doesn’t meet her needs. She emphasized the challenges female athletes face, pointing out the stark contrast between WNBA and NBA earnings, where even rookies often earn millions.

“The WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. I’m gonna do the math real quick. I don’t even know my [WNBA] salary.”

Despite these financial limits, Angel Reese’s social media presence and endorsement deals, including a lucrative Reebok contract, provide substantial income, highlighting the increasing importance of off-court ventures for women in sports.

Angel Reese’s case sheds light on an ongoing debate about equal pay and the efforts needed to boost WNBA salaries.

Top 5 WNBA Salaries in 2024

Reese’s statements underscore the financial disparities within the WNBA, even at the highest levels. Here are the top five salaries in the WNBA today:

Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces: $252,420.
Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm: $245,508.
Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury: $245,059.
Arika Ogunwobale, Dallas Wings: $241,984.
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury: $234,936.

These players earn near the WNBA’s salary cap, which, while significant within the league, pales in comparison to their NBA counterparts.

Red More : Angel Reese snubbed as Caitlin Clark claims All-WNBA First Team honor after record-breaking rookie season

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Angel Reese

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.