In a world where social media often amplifies both praise and criticism, Angel Reese, the rising star of the WNBA, has found herself at the center of a heated debate. The 2023 NCAA Championship MVP, known for her incredible talent on the court, recently made headlines not just for her athletic prowess but for a heartfelt gesture that has sparked discussions about financial responsibility and familial love.
During a special birthday episode of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese revealed a life-changing surprise for her mother, also named Angel Reese. The emotional moment unfolded as she announced that she had paid off her mother’s mortgage, allowing her to retire from work if she so desired. This grand gesture was not just a birthday gift; it was a tribute to her mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices throughout Reese’s life and career.
Angel Reese, who rose to fame after leading LSU to victory in the NCAA Championship, has always credited her mother as her biggest inspiration. A former basketball player herself, Reese’s mother raised her as a single parent, instilling values of perseverance, hard work, and independence. Throughout her journey, she has been a constant source of encouragement, attending games and cheering her daughter on from the sidelines. The bond between mother and daughter is palpable, and Reese’s decision to pay off her mother’s mortgage was a way to express her gratitude for all the sacrifices made.
As the podcast episode neared its conclusion, Reese took a moment to reflect on her mother’s journey. “You’ve worked so hard for everything, and I want you to know that you don’t have to worry about finances anymore,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “Before we sing happy birthday, you said that if your mortgage was paid off, you would retire. Well, today, your mortgage has been paid off.” The emotional revelation left her mother visibly moved, tears streaming down her face as she processed the magnitude of her daughter’s gift.
However, the heartwarming moment quickly turned into a topic of debate on social media. While many fans praised Reese for her generosity and the deep love she has for her mother, others questioned the wisdom of such a financial decision. Critics took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express skepticism, with some users recalling previous statements made by Reese about her financial struggles. “Is this the same person who said they couldn’t afford to pay their rent?” one user questioned, while another commented, “I thought she was complaining about being in debt, not making enough money, etc.”
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The mixed reactions highlight the complexities of financial decisions, especially for young athletes who are thrust into the spotlight. While Reese’s gesture was undoubtedly generous, it raised questions about her financial stability and long-term planning. Some critics speculated that this grand gesture might have left her financially strained, with one user stating, “She has to be broke after that one.”
Despite the backlash, many fans and supporters rallied around Reese, emphasizing the importance of family and the sacrifices that often go unnoticed. For them, the act of paying off her mother’s mortgage was a testament to the love and respect she has for the woman who raised her. “This is what family is about,” one fan wrote. “Angel is showing us that no matter how much money you have, it’s the love and support that truly matters.”
Reese’s decision to share this personal moment on her podcast also reflects a growing trend among athletes to be more transparent about their lives, both on and off the court. In an era where social media can often portray a curated version of reality, Reese’s candidness about her relationship with her mother and her financial decisions resonates with many young fans who look up to her as a role model.
As the debate continues, it’s essential to recognize the broader context of Reese’s actions. The financial landscape for young athletes, particularly women in sports, is often fraught with challenges. Many face pressure to perform while also navigating the complexities of contracts, endorsements, and personal finances. Reese’s gesture, while controversial, can also be seen as a powerful statement about prioritizing family and the values that shape us.
In the end, Angel Reese’s heartfelt gift to her mother serves as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the sacrifices made by parents for their children’s success. While the discussions surrounding her financial decisions may continue, one thing remains clear: the love between Angel and her mother is unwavering, and that love is worth celebrating.
As Reese continues her journey in the WNBA, she will undoubtedly face more scrutiny and challenges. However, her commitment to her family and her willingness to share her story will continue to inspire many. In a world where financial decisions are often scrutinized, Reese’s actions remind us that love, gratitude, and family should always come first.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding her financial choices may fade, but the impact of her gesture will resonate for years to come. As she moves forward in her career, Angel Reese will carry with her the lessons learned from her mother, the sacrifices made, and the love that fuels her passion for the game. Whether on the court or in her personal life, Reese is proving that true success is not just measured in accolades but in the relationships we nurture and the love we share.
Angel Reese has once again sparked a major debate over her finances after revealing she wants her mother to retire from working during a new podcast episode.
The Chicago Sky basketball player has been a trending topic since her national championship win with the LSU Tigers in 2023. Her attitude, style, and impressive rebounding ability on the court attracted many eyes, which launched the 22-year-old into superstardom.
Since becoming an NCAA champion, Reese has garnered several sponsorships—her latest being a special meal deal with McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food restaurant. Although the details of Reese’s deal haven’t been disclosed, one can only assume she collected a hefty check, which prompted her to do something special for her mother.
During a recent episode of her podcast, Angel Reese surprised her mom with the dream of a lifetime, which caused quite a stir on social media.
Angel Reese Paid Off Her Mother’s Mortgage
Reese has always credited her mother (also named Angel Reese) for her drive on the basketball court. Both of the WNBA players’ parents knew their way up and down the hardwood.
Reese’s mother played at the University of Maryland before joining a professional team in Luxembourg. “I used to go to my mom’s games when I was younger,” the Chicago Sky power forward said in 2023.
She praised her mom for being “independent” as a single parent, saying, “she molded that into me,” before reminding fans that she’s the person she is today because of her mother.
On the latest episode of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese had her mother on the show to celebrate her birthday. After spending much of the episode discussing Reese’s rise to fame and life in the spotlight, Reese spent the final minutes telling her mom how much she meant to her.
The Bayou Barbie went on, reminding her listeners that it was her mother’s birthday. However, before singing and celebrating with cake, Reese had to make a special announcement.
“Before we sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ you said that if your mortgage was paid off that you would retire or you won’t work,” she said. “You can pick if you want to work still, [but] your mortgage today has been paid.”
Reese explained to her mother that she wouldn’t have to “worry about your mortgage no more” before telling her she could continue to work if she wanted to “keep yourself busy;” however, it wouldn’t be necessary.
Fans Respond To Angel Reese’s Move
After the clip of Reese’s special moment with her mother was shared online, people began chiming in, wondering if this was the smartest move for the young athlete.
“Is this the same person who said they couldn’t afford to pay their rent?” someone asked on X, formerly Twitter.
“I thought she was complaining about being in debt, not making enough money, etc.,” someone else posted. A third user also shared their response, saying Reese had to be “broke after that one” since she doesn’t “get paid that much.”
However, not all of the comments were negative.
Someone wrote, “She retired her mother at the age of 22,” implying that Reese pulled off a major flex. Another user noted that the heartwarming interaction between the mother-daughter duo “made their day,” especially since children “dream to give back everything their parents poured into them.”
How Much Money Does Reese Make?
Angel Reese responds to the people upset with her WNBA salary on ESPN pic.twitter.com/lZAI5qHhUG
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) May 24, 2024
Reese was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky during the 2024 WNBA draft. According to SportRac, the rookie earned just over $73,000 for her first season.
However, thanks to sponsorships with Beats by Dre, Reeses, Cash App, and more, Reese said she considers that check a “bonus.”
The baller also signed a lengthy contract with Reebok Basketball, headed by her mentor Shaquille O’Neal, which will bring her first signature shoe to stores in 2026.
In January 2025, she announced her special meal deal, “The Angel Reese Special,” with McDonald’s. The partnership, which includes a whopping quarter-pounder burger with barbecue sauce and bacon, is the franchise’s first collaboration with a female professional athlete.
“The deals don’t just stop in college,” she said. “When you go to the pros, they continue, and I feel like they’ve grown even more. Now that I’m a pro, I can do so much more.”
Reese Says She’s Part Of History
Instagram | Angel Reese
Women’s basketball has become more popular than ever since the 2023 national championship game between LSU and Iowa.
In addition to Reese, the organization welcomed in several standout players, including Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink, and, of course, the record-breaking all-star Caitlin Clark.
In 2024, Reese addressed the role she’s played in the sport’s surge, saying she’ll “go down in history” when things are all said and done.
“I’ll look back in 20 years and be like: ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person; it’s because of me too, and I want you to realize that.’ Like, it’s just not cause of one person. A lot of us have done so much for this game,” she said.
Why Reese Signed With Reebok
🤔✔️ WHY ANGELA REESE DID NOT PICK NIKE? Angel Reese says she’s bringing back Reebok. She also mentioned that Reebok didn’t have a woman basketball player as a face, so she wanted to be that.👨🏽🍳👁️🦇 pic.twitter.com/l4Nq0ZQuke
— D.A.K. (@dadeasskickz) May 3, 2024
Since signing with Reebok, Reese has released custom merch and revealed a signature shoe is on the way.
In the past, she’s spoken about why she chose to work with the brand instead of the several other companies who wanted to work with her, including Nike.
“One, they didn’t have a women’s basketball player [who was the] face,” she said. “So, I wanted to be that.”
She also referenced her close working relationship with Shaq, who also played at LSU prior to joining the NBA, before revealing the final reason, which was that the company understood her vision.
“They’re letting me be the creator behind everything that I want to do,” she explained. “I’m bringing Reebok back.”
