Angel Reese Says She Struggles to Pay Bills on $73K Salary as WNBA Stars Launch All-Star Game Protest Over Pay Inequality

The WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis was not just a showcase of elite basketball talent—it also became a platform for players to amplify their call for fairer compensation. Amid the festivities, players including Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Kelsey Mitchell used the national stage to highlight ongoing concerns about WNBA salaries and revenue sharing.

Players Protest for Pay Equity

During warm-ups, All-Star players donned black t-shirts emblazoned with the message “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” drawing widespread media attention. The protest was organized to underscore the players’ demands for a more equitable share of league revenue and improved compensation across the board.

The backdrop to this demonstration is the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and its players. Under this agreement, players are entitled to 25% of league profits, but only if certain annual revenue targets are met. In contrast, NBA players receive 50% of all revenue, regardless of league performance, highlighting a significant disparity between the two leagues.

The Salary Structure: A Closer Look

According to league data, rookie contracts in the WNBA begin at around $72,000 per year, while the maximum salary for top players can reach approximately $250,000. These figures, while representing progress from previous years, still lag far behind NBA salaries and have become a focal point for player advocacy.

Napheesa Collier, a leading voice in the players’ union, commented before the game:

“This is where the money’s at, so both sides are going to fight really hard for it. We just have to make them know that we’re not backing down on this point.”

Angel Reese: Candid About Financial Realities

Angel Reese, one of the league’s rising stars, has been open about the financial challenges faced by many WNBA players. On a recent Instagram Live, Reese revealed that her $73,000 rookie salary barely covered her living expenses, including an $8,000 monthly rent—totaling $96,000 annually.

“I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese said. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills, [the salary] isn’t enough to pay my car note, I wouldn’t even be able to eat, I wouldn’t be able to live. I’m living beyond my means!”

Endorsements and New Opportunities

Despite these challenges, Reese has been able to supplement her income through endorsements and participation in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league. In May 2024, she expressed gratitude for these opportunities, noting that they allow her to earn a six-figure income over a few months and provide additional benefits such as housing in Miami.

“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,” Reese explained. “Being able to make six figures within three months [in Unrivaled], being able to be housed in Miami, just being able to get better… I think it’s amazing.”

The Road Ahead

The WNBA and its players remain engaged in negotiations over the next CBA, with pay equity at the heart of the discussion. As media attention grows and more fans tune in, the players’ message is clear: they want compensation that reflects their talent, commitment, and the value they bring to the sport.

The All-Star protest was a powerful reminder that, while progress has been made, the fight for fair pay in women’s sports is far from over. With stars like Angel Reese leading the charge, the conversation is only gaining momentum.