“Angel Reese’s Voice Echoes Loud: WNBA Vows Change After Powerful Salary Plea”
Angel Reese, one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball, has done more than just light up the court — she’s sparked a league-wide reckoning. After publicly voicing frustration about her rookie salary in the WNBA, Reese has inspired a powerful response from players and officials alike, including the league’s own commissioner.
In a moment that resonated with athletes and fans, Reese candidly admitted that her WNBA salary — roughly $75,000 — doesn’t cover her basic living expenses. “The WNBA don’t pay my bills,” she stated on her podcast. She revealed she pays $8,000 a month in rent, a cost that outpaces her league income. Her honesty peeled back the curtain on a larger issue: the financial struggles even top-tier athletes face in the WNBA.
Her words weren’t just a complaint — they were a call to action.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert heard that call loud and clear. In a bold and necessary move, Engelbert responded with a promise: the league is committed to a new, “transformational” collective bargaining agreement (CBA). With the current agreement set to expire after the 2025 season — and with the players’ union already opting out — the timing couldn’t be more urgent.
The players, led by outspoken voices like Reese, are demanding more than marginal improvements. They want equity, dignity, and a sustainable future in a league that has seen enormous growth. The league recently secured a $2.2 billion media deal — a clear sign that interest in women’s basketball is surging. Yet, players currently receive only about 10% of league revenue, compared to the NBA’s 50% revenue share with its athletes.
The imbalance is clear, and the message from the players is even clearer: this must change.
Reese’s courage has reminded the world that athletes are people — people with bills, dreams, and the right to be valued. “If y’all don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” she warned, echoing the sentiment of many of her peers. This isn’t just about money — it’s about respect.
As negotiations approach, all eyes are on the WNBA. The league stands at a crossroads, and thanks to Angel Reese, the path forward must include fairness, transparency, and above all — justice for the women who give the game everything they’ve got.
