Angel Reese, a rising star in the WNBA, recently opened up about the financial struggles she faces as a professional athlete. Despite her status as an All-Star rookie for the Chicago Sky, Reese revealed that her salary of $73,439 falls short of covering her expenses.
In a candid Instagram live session, Reese expressed that her WNBA earnings are insufficient to pay her bills, including her $8,000 monthly rent. She humorously acknowledged that her salary wouldn't even cover her car note, let alone provide for her basic needs.
Reese, who also relies on endorsement deals with brands like Reebok and Beats by Dre, described her WNBA income as a "bonus" compared to her primary source of earnings. She has even turned to participating in a new 3v3 league, Unrivaled, during the offseason to supplement her income.
The disparity in pay between WNBA players and their male counterparts is evident, with the highest-paid WNBA player earning just over $250,000 compared to NBA star Steph Curry's multi-million dollar salary. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the league's progress in closing the gap but emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve player compensation.
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As discussions around gender pay equity in sports continue, Reese's story sheds light on the financial challenges faced by WNBA players and underscores the importance of advocating for fair compensation in professional sports.