The Shocking Truth About Angel Reese’s WNBA Paycheck: A Star Can’t Even Afford Rent

In a sports world dominated by multi-million-dollar contracts, Angel Reese, forward for the Chicago Sky, has brought a jarring reality to light. During an Instagram Live session, Reese candidly stated, “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all.” The comment sparked heated debate, exposing a stark financial contrast between women’s professional basketball and the high-earning male leagues.

Reese, a standout with championship experience and immense popularity, revealed that even as a star, her WNBA salary falls short of basic living expenses. Her four-year rookie contract totals $324,383, with $73,749 for the 2024 season. Meanwhile, Reese’s South Loop apartment in Chicago costs $8,000 per month—$96,000 annually—over $20,000 more than her entire league salary. This glaring disparity underscores her point: for many players, even superstardom on the court does not guarantee financial stability.

The solution for Reese lies off the court. Long before entering the WNBA, she built a powerful personal brand during her time at LSU, benefiting from the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness rules. She secured endorsements with Reebok, Topps, Airbnb, Hershey’s Reese, Beats by Dre, and more. These deals, combined with other opportunities like playing in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, where she earned six figures, dwarf her league earnings. In her own words, the WNBA paycheck is “a plus,” not a lifeline.

This approach marks a generational shift in women’s basketball. Previous stars, including Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, had to play overseas to earn a living wage, often in grueling schedules that risked injury and took them away from home for months. Today, players like Reese can capitalize on domestic endorsements, social media, and brand-building, creating a lucrative financial ecosystem without leaving the United States.

Yet Reese’s candid statement has ignited broader discussions about the WNBA’s compensation model. Despite rising popularity, growing ticket sales, and unprecedented media coverage, league salaries remain modest. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement runs through 2027, but as the league’s revenue and visibility grow, so too does the pressure to adjust salaries to reflect the value players bring to the game. Reese’s story illustrates the tension between market growth and fair pay—how a star can drive revenue yet still struggle to cover fundamental expenses.

Angel Reese’s words are more than a personal reflection—they’re a wake-up call. They highlight the inequities in professional women’s basketball and spotlight the need for a reimagined compensation structure. For top-tier athletes, the WNBA salary may serve as a “bonus,” but the league’s long-term sustainability depends on ensuring that all players can live securely while playing the sport they love. Reese’s transparency forces fans, media, and executives alike to confront the economics of the game and consider a future where professional female athletes are compensated as they deserve.