WNBA star Angel Reese has never been shy about speaking her mind, and her latest comments on player salaries have sparked a major discussion. After winning $50,000 in the Unrivaled 1v1 tournament, Reese admitted that the prize money wasn’t just a bonus—it was something she needed due to her relatively low WNBA salary.
Reese, who was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky, earns a rookie salary of around $76,000 per year—significantly less than what male athletes make in professional basketball. While grateful for her WNBA career, she didn’t hold back about the financial realities of women’s sports. “That $50K? Yeah, that was a need,” she said, emphasizing how important additional earnings are for WNBA players.
Her candid remarks have reignited conversations about the pay gap between men’s and women’s professional basketball. While top NBA players earn millions, many WNBA athletes rely on overseas contracts, endorsement deals, and side tournaments like Unrivaled to boost their income.
Despite the challenges, Reese remains determined to make an impact both on and off the court. With her rising popularity, lucrative sponsorships, and outspoken nature, she’s quickly becoming one of the most influential voices in the fight for better pay in women’s sports.
