Angel Reese, one of WNBA‘s most recognizable players, recently opened up on her podcast Unapologetically Angel. During a conversation with journalist Speedy Morman, Reese joked that now that WNBA players are earning more, they can “fly out” significant others or even a sneaky link to visit them on the road.
While Reese didn’t specify whether she would partake herself, her light-hearted comment highlighted a shift in lifestyle possibilities for athletes thanks to the recent salary boost.
This type of perk isn’t new in professional sports; NBA players frequently invite romantic partners or friends from other cities to games, covering flights and sometimes hotels to ensure company after the game. Reese‘s remark signals that WNBA players are now in a similar position financially.
This playful insight comes amid one of the most significant developments in professional women’s sports. After extensive negotiations, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) reached a historic collective bargaining agreement (CBA), unanimously approved by both players and the league’s board of governors.
The seven-year deal, set to cover the 2026 through 2032 seasons, was finalized just weeks before the league’s 30th anniversary campaign.
The new agreement dramatically increases player compensation. The league’s salary cap will jump nearly fivefold – from about $1.5 million in 2025 to roughly $7 million in 2026 – with salaries across the board rising significantly.
Top stars may earn supermax contracts exceeding $1 million, while the average salary is projected to reach the mid-hundreds of thousands. Even bench players will now have more financial freedom than ever before.
For years, many WNBA athletes relied on secondary jobs, overseas contracts, or endorsements just to make ends meet. This agreement allows players to focus more fully on basketball while enjoying the perks of newfound financial security.
What this means for WNBA players
Beyond salary increases, the CBA includes improved travel accommodations, expanded season structures, better revenue sharing, and enhanced professional benefits.
These changes strengthen the league’s foundation and ensure that WNBA players can build long-term careers without the financial uncertainty that has historically been part of professional women’s basketball.
Reese‘s comments reflect a broader reality: WNBA athletes now have opportunities that go beyond the court. From traveling with loved ones to investing in personal growth and experiences, the new financial landscape allows players to enjoy the fruits of their talent in ways previously reserved for male counterparts.
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