Angel Reese Admits Her ‘Dream Job’ Can’t Pay the Bills — But Her Side Hustle Earns Seven Figures 💰🔥
WNBA rookie and social media sensation Angel Reese is not afraid to speak her truth. The rising basketball star, known for her unapologetic confidence both on and off the court, recently made headlines after candidly discussing the reality of her dual careers: professional basketball and modeling.
The conversation started when Reese posted photos of herself in a bathing suit on X (formerly Twitter) on October 2. Almost immediately, a troll chimed in with a familiar dig:
“Do u wanna be a ig model or wnba player pick one at this point.”
Instead of ignoring the comment, Reese delivered a refreshingly honest response:
“Well no i’ll never pick because my dream job doesn’t pay me enough while my side job pays me 7 figures. Anywayyy… go check out my new episode [of Unapologetically Angel].”
Her reply highlights a growing issue for female athletes: while playing in the WNBA is a dream come true for Reese, it simply doesn’t offer the financial rewards that modeling and influencer work do.
On her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, Reese addressed critics who question her commitment to basketball because of her social media presence and modeling gigs.
“Just because I’m fine, does not mean I don’t take basketball serious,” she said. “Like this whole gag, let’s give it up.”
Reese credits her looks to her mother, joking,
“Being fine, I have to—that’s my thing. But I also hoop.”
She emphasized that juggling both careers is not only possible, but something she excels at:
“I got up this morning and worked out, and then got my makeup done. I maximize my 24 hours so I am very sorry, actually I’m not sorry, but I’m sorry for those who feel some type of way that they can’t be fine and play basketball.”
Reese’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in another story she shared on her podcast. After internet trolls mocked her for her rebounding skills, she turned the joke into a lucrative business opportunity by launching her “Mebounds” merchandise line.
“They tried to clown me for rebounds, and what did I do? I made a bag off of it. Six figures plus, thank you. So y’all can try again because I need another idea for some new colorways.”
Angel Reese’s experience is emblematic of a larger trend among female athletes. Despite the dedication and talent required to play at the highest level, WNBA salaries lag far behind those of male counterparts and even behind what some athletes can earn through branding, sponsorships, and social media.
Reese’s ability to leverage her fame, looks, and personality into a seven-figure side income is proof that today’s athletes must be more than just competitors—they must be brands.
Angel Reese is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. She refuses to choose between her dream job and her financial security, and she’s not afraid to call out the double standards she faces. Whether she’s dominating on the court, modeling off it, or turning criticism into cash, Reese is showing the world that you can be both “fine” and fierce.
