“The WNBA Doesn’t Pay My Bills”

During a recent Instagram livestream, Reese didn’t hold back about her financial struggles. “I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she vented. “I wouldn’t even be able to eat, I wouldn’t be able to live.”

Reese revealed her $8,000 monthly rent far exceeds her WNBA salary, totaling $96,000 annually—more than $20,000 over her paycheck. Critics were quick to pounce, pointing out that her budget doesn’t align with her income.

Gratitude Amid Grievances

Despite her complaints, Reese acknowledged that basketball isn’t her only source of income. With endorsement deals from Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Reese’s chocolates, she earns well into six figures annually. Speaking to ESPN earlier this year, she described her WNBA earnings as a “bonus.”

“Being able to play for four to five months and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me,” she said.

Reese also participates in the Unrivaled basketball league, reportedly earning six figures in just three months. Add Miami housing perks, and Reese’s situation might not be as dire as she suggests.

“Superstar Syndrome” or “1.8 GPA Mindset”?

The 22-year-old, who famously stirred controversy with her 1.8 GPA during her college days, is now at the center of another debate. Some fans argue her complaints reflect poor financial management rather than systemic issues in women’s sports.

One critic posted on X (formerly Twitter): “You make more in endorsements than most people do in a decade. Maybe it’s time for a budgeting app, Angel.”

Others, however, see Reese’s comments as highlighting the stark pay gap between male and female athletes. Steph Curry, the NBA’s highest-paid player, pockets $51.9 million annually—more than 700 times Reese’s WNBA salary.

The WNBA Pay Gap Debate

Reese’s situation underscores an ongoing issue in women’s sports: unequal pay. The league’s highest earner, Jackie Young, makes $250,000 annually—still a fraction of even the NBA’s mid-tier salaries.

While Reese’s endorsements shield her from financial hardship, her comments reignite calls for the WNBA to increase player salaries. For many athletes, the league paycheck isn’t just a “bonus”—it’s their livelihood.

Rookie WNBA sensation Angel Reese is making waves both on and off the court—but not in the way you’d expect from a star on the rise. The Chicago Sky player, hailed as a standout talent in her debut season, shocked fans recently when she admitted her $73,000 salary can’t even cover her basic expenses. The revelation has sparked debate: is this a case of “superstar syndrome,” or does it reflect her financial priorities?

Living the Luxe Life?

Critics argue Reese’s $8,000 monthly rent and high-end lifestyle point to a bigger issue: financial discipline. “If you’re struggling at $73K, that’s not the WNBA’s fault,” one commentator wrote. “That’s on you.”

Still, supporters rally behind Reese, emphasizing the importance of fair pay. “The fact that Angel Reese has to rely on endorsements to thrive shows how far women’s sports still have to go,” an advocate said.

The Final Whistle

Angel Reese may be one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, but her financial frustrations cast a shadow over her rookie season. Whether her complaints stem from a “superstar syndrome” or the league’s glaring pay disparities, one thing is clear: Reese’s voice is amplifying a conversation that won’t fade anytime soon.

The question remains—how will the WNBA address these issues, and will Reese’s candor inspire meaningful change or just more heated debate?