Angel Reese, the dynamic forward for the Chicago Sky, has become a powerful advocate for player rights in the WNBA. At the 2025 All-Star Game, Reese, alongside her peers, sent a strong message to the league and fans by wearing warm-up shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”
This gesture, however, was not just for show; it was a call to action during crucial contract negotiations over the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Revenue sharing: A non-negotiable demand
Reese, who has quickly become one of the most vocal players in the WNBA, made it clear in a recent interview with ESPN’s Elle Duncan that her top priority in the CBA talks is revenue sharing.
“The team revenue. The revenue shares. That’s really important for us. We deserve it,” Reese explained. Her statement reflects a broader sentiment among players who believe the league’s growing revenues should directly benefit those who make it possible-the athletes.
The current CBA, which expires in October, only allocates a small percentage of the league’s revenue to player salaries, with the WNBA’s 9.3% compared to the NBA’s 50%. As the league continues to grow-thanks to increased viewership, higher attendance, and rising merchandise sales-players are demanding a larger share of the financial success.
For Reese, the math is simple: as the league thrives, so should the compensation for those who make it all possible.
Leveraging influence for change
Reese’s role as a leader in these negotiations extends beyond her on-court performance. Since her breakthrough performance with LSU’s championship team in 2023, Reese has amassed a massive social media following and gained influence well beyond basketball.
She is fully aware of the power of her platform and uses it to advocate for change in the league.
“I know my voice, I know my platform, and I know when I speak people are listening,” Reese said during her ESPN interview. She has used her voice not only to speak out but to educate herself on the issues at the heart of the CBA negotiations. This proactive stance has made her one of the most influential figures in the WNBA’s fight for fairer compensation.
As the October deadline for a new CBA approaches, Reese’s unwavering commitment to securing fair pay for players continues to inspire. She has expressed her frustration with the slow pace of negotiations and has even hinted that players might sit out if their demands are not met.
This bold stance highlights the urgency of the situation, as Reese understands the impact her advocacy could have on the future of women’s professional basketball.
With leaders like Reese at the forefront, the WNBA may be on the brink of significant change-one that ensures the league’s success translates into tangible benefits for its players. As the negotiation period intensifies, Reese and her fellow athletes are making it clear: they are not backing down.
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