Angel Reese isn’t one to stay silent. Whether that earns her the enmity of her colleagues or the hatred of the internet, the Chicago Sky star always speaks her mind. It’s not unusual for time to prove her right, as just happened regarding her statements about the WNBA’s low salaries.
Shortly after beginning her professional career, Reese sparked a media frenzy by declaring, “The WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all.” At the time, critics called the Sky forward arrogant or immature. However, after details of her rookie contract emerged, many began to agree with her.
According to the specialized website Spotrac, Reese’s rookie contract totals $324,383 for four years, an annual average of $81,096. Comparatively, Reese pays $96,000 annually in rent. For this reason, Reese fully supports the WNBAPA in its negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Players’ shares of WNBA profits have been a point of contention for years and will be front and center in this year’s negotiations. Although discussions have yet to begin, Reese is confident that the outcome will favor the players.
Angel knows the best is yet to come
In a recent episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Reese expressed confidence that sooner or later, players would receive a fair share of the league’s profits. “We haven’t gotten the money just yet, but it’s coming,” the forward said in a conversation with rapper and influencer Chrisean Rock.
The artist demanded fair wages for WNBA players “because you’re doing exactly what LeBron is doing.” Reese reiterated, “It’s a lot that goes into it, but it’s coming, trust me, it’s coming.” Furthermore, Chi-Barbie confidently stated she represents her colleagues in demanding better pay.
“I’m unapologetically myself. I’m speaking for the majority,” the Sky star asserted, adding, “The best players deserve the money, so I’m speaking for them, and that’s what we deserve.”
The next generation will benefit the most from the struggle
It will take at least three more years for the WNBAClass of 2024 to see the benefits of this struggle. Although the new CBA is expected to go into effect in 2026, rookie contracts signed before then will remain unchanged.
The same will apply to those selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft. However, the 2026 class will likely be the first to reap the rewards of the new agreement.
Players like Azzi Fudd, Flau’jae Johnson, and Olivia Miles, who chose to play another year in the NCAA, are set to join the professional league next year with higher salaries than Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Cameron Brink-the stars who boosted the WNBA’s popularity and profits.
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