Angel Reese: The WNBA Can’t Pay My Bills—So Why Are We Still Pretending Salaries Are Enough?

When Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward, entered the WNBA, she was already a household name in women’s basketball. Coming off an impressive college career at LSU, Reese was expected to dominate in the professional ranks—but one reality quickly became clear: the WNBA’s salary structure is far from sufficient for top-level athletes.

Under the league’s current pay scale, Reese signed a maximum four-year contract worth $324,383, averaging just $81,096 per season. Her rookie paycheck in 2024 amounted to $73,749. While this may seem substantial compared to average U.S. salaries, Reese herself explained that it barely covers her personal expenses.

“I just hope y’all know,” Reese said during an Instagram Live session, “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally. I’m living beyond my means.”

To live comfortably, Reese chose a loft-style apartment in Chicago’s South Loop, a high-rise with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and upscale amenities, including a gym, indoor pool, and basketball court. But the rent alone costs $8,000 a month—$96,000 a year—already more than her WNBA season paycheck.

“This check that I do get here is a bonus,” Reese admitted. “Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me.”

The reality for Reese is that the WNBA alone cannot sustain her lifestyle—but she has found other ways to secure her financial independence. Prior to entering the league, Reese had an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation of $1.8 million, with endorsements from Reebok, Topps, Airbnb, Tampax, Hershey’s Reese candy, and Beats by Dre.

Beyond endorsements, Reese also participated in the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, which pays six-figure salaries ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. Her team, Rose Basketball Club, even claimed the inaugural title, earning Reese an additional $50,000 championship bonus.

Despite her lucrative deals off the court, the disparity between her WNBA salary and personal expenses highlights a persistent issue within the league. While top stars like Reese can supplement their income through endorsements, many other players still rely solely on their WNBA salaries. For decades, female stars such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird had to play overseas during the offseason just to make ends meet—a practice that Reese and today’s top players can largely avoid thanks to NIL opportunities.

However, Reese’s comments have sparked controversy among fans and critics alike. Some argue that top players like Reese are in a unique position and that the WNBA’s pay is adequate for the majority of athletes who do not have multi-million dollar endorsement deals. Others counter that Reese’s candid acknowledgment of insufficient pay shines a light on systemic issues that affect all professional female basketball players, highlighting a league that profits enormously while compensating its athletes modestly.

The debate raises bigger questions: If one of the most marketable and skilled players in the league cannot rely on her salary to cover living expenses, what does that mean for lesser-known players? And as the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, will the league ever make salaries reflective of the talent and commitment of its athletes—or will players like Reese continue to rely on external opportunities to survive financially?

For Angel Reese, the answer is simple: endorsements, side leagues, and business deals keep her afloat. But her blunt honesty about the WNBA’s limits has reignited a broader conversation about pay equity, league growth, and the sustainability of women’s professional basketball as a viable career.

As Reese herself put it: “The WNBA don’t pay my bills—but it does give me the platform to make the money I need elsewhere.” For fans, her statement is both a shock and a reminder that while the league has come a long way, there is still a long court ahead when it comes to athlete compensation.