Fact Check: Did Angel Reese Say WNBA Players Should Be Getting Paid Like NBA Stars?
No doubt, Angel Reese, as part of the 2024 rookie class, has given the WNBA a significant boost. Whether it’s her double-double streak or leading the league in rebounding, she has done it all. But still, none of this guarantees her enough income to even cover her rent. “Hatin’ pays them bills, baby… I hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills,” shared Chi-Town Barbie. The numbers do give you a picture.
Reese’s WNBA salary is $73,439, while her monthly rent is about $8,000 ($96,000 annually). Clearly, her housing costs exceed her W earnings, making her case for a salary increase stronger. But did she actually demand one?
The truth behind the viral claim
Several social media posts and YouTube videos suggest she did, with “NBA Central” being one of them. On March 6, the X account posted a tweet stating, “Angel Reese believes WNBA players should be getting paid like NBA players.”
The account claims these to be Reese’s words: “If you think about it, our shorter season makes our games more valuable, and some of us play at a higher level than some NBA players. It’s simple math.”
However, there is no evidence of Reese making this statement—neither on the internet nor on any of her social media accounts. Moreover, the page admits to being a parody. While Reese hasn’t commented, the push for better pay in the WNBA isn’t just speculation. Instead, it’s a full-fledged movement.
Back in October 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) took a major step by opting out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was originally set to run through 2027. Why? Because they want a deal that actually reflects their impact on the game and the league’s rising popularity.
And let’s talk about that popularity—the 2024 season was the most-watched in 24 years, racking up over 54 million viewers. It’s simple: more eyes on the game should mean more money for the players. But that’s not how it’s working in the WNBA yet. One of the biggest issues? Revenue sharing.
In the NBA, players receive about 50% of basketball-related income. In the WNBA? A much smaller slice of the pie. Even bumping their share to 20-30% could make a huge difference in salaries. This pay gap isn’t just something fans are talking about—players and their agents are calling it out, too.
Just a few days ago, Caitlin Clark’s agent, Erin Kane, pointed out that her client is estimated to bring in around $36 million to Indianapolis, yet her salary is locked in at just $78,000. “Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she’s really worth to that league? I don’t think that’s possible,” Kane told ESPN.
via Imago
“She’s part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she’s brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It’s as simple as that.” But there’s still hope.
Starting next season, the WNBA is set to receive up to $2.2 billion over 11 years from the NBA’s next domestic broadcast rights deals. And that’s not all—the league’s two additional matchup packages could push revenues even higher, potentially surpassing $260 million per season.
For context, the WNBA currently makes $60 million per year from its domestic media contracts. That’s a long way from where it needs to be, but until then, Reese is relying on two other major income sources.
Angel Reese: more than just a WNBA player
Here’s the thing—Angel Reese, she’s a brand.
Before even stepping into the league, she made $1.8 million in NIL deals during her senior year at LSU. And that momentum didn’t stop once she turned pro.
Even now, her endorsement deals are stacked. Reebok, Beats by Dre, Reese’s Pieces, and McDonald’s—just to name a few.
Then there’s her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, which only expands her reach and earning power.
And she’s cashing in even more with Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 league. According to Sports Illustrated, Angel Reese could pull in $250,000 from the eight-week tournament—a salary that’s significantly higher than what she’s making in the WNBA.
So, is it unfair that her WNBA salary can’t cover her rent? Maybe.
The league is still working toward better pay, but in the meantime, Angel Reese isn’t just surviving—she’s thriving. Her brand, her endorsements, and her deals outside of basketball prove that she’s making way more than most people realize. What do you think? Should WNBA players be paid more, or is the real money always going to be off the court?
