Angel Reese Opens Up: WNBA Salary vs. Rent Costs

Introduction to Angel Reese

Angel Reese, the rookie star of the Chicago Sky, has made headlines for her impressive performance in the WNBA. However, during an Instagram live session, she shared a humorous take on her rookie salary. Despite her contributions to the league’s growing popularity, Reese revealed that her salary does not cover her monthly rent.

Rookie Salary vs. Rent

Reese disclosed that her monthly rent is a staggering $8,000. This totals $96,000 annually. In contrast, her WNBA rookie salary is $73,439. “Hatin’ pays them bills baby,” she joked during the live stream. “I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills.”

While discussing her financial situation, she emphasized the disconnect between her salary and living expenses. “Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. Let me do the math real quick. I don’t even know my salary … 74 (thousand)?” she asked a friend off-camera. After realizing the figures, she laughed, saying, “I’m living beyond my means like y’all think.”

Record-Breaking Rookie Season

Despite the financial concerns, Reese had a record-breaking rookie season. She emerged as a rebounding and double-double powerhouse. Unfortunately, her season was cut short by a wrist injury in early September.

On September 1, Reese made history by breaking the WNBA’s single-season record for rebounds. She surpassed the legendary Sylvia Fowles, who retired in 2022 as the league’s all-time leader in rebounds. After Reese’s injury, the record was later reclaimed by A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who is also the league MVP.

Reese also set the single-season record for offensive rebounds. Moreover, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 20 double-doubles. She holds the record for the most consecutive double-doubles, totaling 15 in a row.

With a remarkable 26 double-doubles in her rookie year, Reese became one of only two players in league history to achieve this feat in a single season.

Angel Reese: WNBA Salary vs. High Rent Costs

Endorsements and Financial Success

In addition to her WNBA salary, Reese has made a name for herself through various endorsement deals. She has partnerships with major brands like Reebok, Beats by Dre, Airbnb, Tampax, and Hershey’s Reese’s Pieces. According to On3, a platform that tracks sports endorsements, these deals significantly boost her income.

Earlier this year, Reese discussed her financial situation with ESPN. She referred to her WNBA salary as a “bonus” on top of her NIL deals. “Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing,” she explained. “I think it’s a plus for me.”

The Offseason Challenge

Historically, many WNBA players have sought opportunities overseas during the offseason to earn additional income. This trend continues to be common, but Reese pointed out that “nobody wants” to do that. She expressed a desire for players to earn sufficient wages without needing to travel abroad.

New Ventures: Unrivaled League

In addition to her commitments in the WNBA, Reese has signed on to compete in the Unrivaled league. This new three-on-three basketball league was co-founded by fellow WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league aims to offer players new opportunities and higher salaries.

Reese and her peers have expressed excitement about Unrivaled. The league promises equity stakes and salaries that will reportedly be six figures. This initiative aims to establish “the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.” According to Sports Illustrated, the average salary for the eight-week tournament is projected to be $250,000. This figure surpasses the WNBA’s supermax salary of $241,984 for 2024.

The Future of Women’s Basketball

As the WNBA continues to gain traction and visibility, players like Reese are at the forefront of this movement. They are not only excelling on the court but also advocating for better financial conditions for female athletes. Reese’s candid comments about her salary highlight the ongoing conversation about pay equity in women’s sports.

The financial landscape for female athletes is changing, but challenges remain. Reese’s situation underscores the need for continued dialogue about fair compensation and support for players in the WNBA and beyond.

Conclusion

In summary, Angel Reese has become a significant figure in the WNBA, both for her outstanding performance and her candidness about financial realities. While her rookie salary may not cover her living expenses, her endorsements and participation in new leagues like Unrivaled are paving the way for greater financial stability. As the WNBA grows, so does the potential for its players to earn what they deserve. Reese’s journey exemplifies the dedication and resilience of female athletes striving for recognition and fairness in the sports world.