Angel Reese Sparks National Debate Over WNBA Salaries After Declaring $73K “Isn’t Enough” — League, Fans, and Athletes Respond
Angel Reese, one of the most electrifying young talents in women’s basketball, has found herself at the center of a heated national conversation after boldly declaring that the WNBA’s entry-level salary of $73,000 per year is “not enough.”
The outspoken LSU standout and projected top WNBA draft pick made the comment during a recent media appearance, igniting an intense firestorm on social media, in sports circles, and among political and economic analysts alike.
The 21-year-old, who rose to national fame after leading LSU to its first NCAA women’s basketball championship in 2023, has never been shy about speaking her mind.
But this latest statement has struck a nerve far beyond the sports world, sparking debate on gender pay equity, the value of women’s sports, and the financial realities faced by WNBA athletes.
The Statement That Started It All
The conversation began when Reese appeared on a popular basketball podcast earlier this week.
While discussing her plans after the NCAA tournament, the host asked if she was excited to go pro and join the WNBA. Reese responded candidly:
“I know what the WNBA salary looks like. I’ve seen $73,000 and thought, ‘That’s not enough.’ Especially when I’ve already made more than that through NIL deals in college. Going pro should feel like a step up — not a step down.”
Within hours, clips of the interview went viral across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. “$73K isn’t enough” became a trending phrase, with millions debating whether Reese was out of touch — or simply speaking the truth.
Social Media Explodes: Fans Divided Over Angel Reese’s WNBA Salary Comments
Supporters quickly jumped to Reese’s defense, pointing out that many male athletes entering the NBA earn millions their rookie year, while women are expected to survive on a fraction of that.
“She’s not wrong,” one user posted on X. “If Angel Reese is worth six figures in NIL at LSU, how can we justify $73K in the WNBA? It’s insulting.”
Others, however, felt the comment showed a lack of humility or understanding of the business side of the WNBA.
“Most working Americans don’t make $73,000 a year,” another user argued. “Why should a rookie in a league that doesn’t generate NBA-level revenue expect more?”
Current WNBA Salary Structure: A Breakdown
The WNBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), signed in 2020, set the minimum rookie salary for a first-round pick at $73,439 for the 2024 season.
Veterans with over five years of experience can earn up to $241,984 — a significant jump, but still far from what their male counterparts earn in the NBA, where the minimum salary is over $1 million and top players earn $50 million or more annually.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has emphasized that the WNBA is actively working to improve player compensation, pointing to expanded marketing deals, sponsorships, and charter flights as evidence of progress.
But for many young players like Reese — who’ve already built lucrative personal brands in college — the financial leap into the pros doesn’t feel as rewarding.
NIL Revolution Changed the Game for College Stars
Reese, known as the “Bayou Barbie,” is a prime example of how NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have transformed the college sports landscape.
Since the NCAA rule change in 2021, players have been able to sign endorsement deals, appear in ads, and even launch their own businesses while still playing in college.
By 2024, Reese was estimated to be earning upwards of $1.7 million per year through brand partnerships with companies like Coach, Amazon, and McDonald’s. That dwarfs the base salary she’d earn as a WNBA rookie.
“When Angel Reese says $73K isn’t enough, she’s speaking as a businesswoman who understands her value,” said sports economist Dr. Lisa Kendall.
“This is no longer a world where college athletes turn pro just for a paycheck. The NIL era flipped that script.”
WNBA Players Speak Out: Mixed Reactions From the Locker Room
Reese’s comments didn’t just stir fans — they drew attention from current WNBA players as well.
Veteran star and two-time MVP A’ja Wilson weighed in via Instagram Live:
“It’s real out here. We’ve been fighting for better pay for years. What Angel said? Facts. Some people don’t like hearing the truth, but the truth is we’re underpaid.”
Chicago Sky guard Kahleah Copper had a more measured response:
“I respect Angel and everything she’s done, but I also know how much work the players before us put in to get the league where it is. $73K might not be ideal, but we’re building something. We need stars like her to help us grow it.”
The divide highlighted a generational shift in how young players approach the league — and how veterans view the progress made so far.
Sponsors, Brands, and Agents Take Notice
Angel Reese’s comments also sent ripples through the world of sports marketing and brand representation.
Several PR executives and agents spoke off the record, noting that Reese’s influence and boldness only enhance her marketability.
“She’s fearless, she knows her worth, and she has the numbers to back it up,” said one prominent sports agent. “Brands want authenticity, and Angel delivers that.”
Reese’s team has not announced which agency will represent her in the WNBA, but industry insiders expect a bidding war.
Regardless of her salary with the league, Reese is likely to remain a millionaire through endorsements.
Broader Issues: Gender Pay Equity in Sports
The conversation has also reignited a broader national discussion about gender pay disparities in professional sports.
From women’s soccer to tennis to basketball, female athletes have long been paid less than their male counterparts — often dramatically so.
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s battle for equal pay made global headlines.
Tennis greats like Serena Williams have also advocated for equality in prize money. Now, Angel Reese’s comments are putting the WNBA in the spotlight.
“Angel Reese is voicing what many WNBA players feel but are hesitant to say so directly,” said feminist sports advocate Joanne Delgado.
“It’s time to stop penalizing women for expecting to be paid fairly.”
The Economics of the WNBA: Is a Pay Raise Feasible?
Critics argue that the WNBA simply doesn’t generate enough revenue to offer higher salaries.
In 2023, the league’s total revenue was estimated at around $200 million — a fraction of the NBA’s $10 billion.
However, recent moves — such as expansion plans, the launch of a new media rights deal, and increased investment from major partners like Nike and Google — suggest that the league is poised for growth.
“There’s a misconception that WNBA players want NBA salaries tomorrow,” said analyst David Shapiro.
“What they want is sustainable progress. Angel Reese pushing the envelope helps speed that up.”
NCAA vs. WNBA: Is College Basketball Now the Better Deal?
A growing concern is that the WNBA may begin to lose top talent to college basketball due to the disparity in earnings potential.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley recently remarked, “Right now, for some players, staying in college just makes more financial sense. That’s a problem for the WNBA.”
If elite athletes like Reese choose to delay entering the league to continue cashing in on NIL deals — or leave the sport entirely for more lucrative opportunities in media or fashion — the WNBA may face a talent pipeline crisis.
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
Reese has not backed down from her comments. In fact, she doubled down on X, tweeting:
“They hate when a Black woman knows her worth. I said what I said.”
She followed it up with a playful TikTok post lip-syncing to Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls),” further cementing her role as both a basketball star and cultural icon.
Reese’s draft stock remains high. Analysts predict she’ll be selected in the top five of the 2025 WNBA Draft, likely joining teams like the Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, or Los Angeles Sparks.
But all eyes will be on how the league — and its fans — embrace a player unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Final Thoughts: Is This a Turning Point for Women’s Sports?
Angel Reese’s bold stance on WNBA pay may have struck a nerve, but it has also opened up a powerful conversation. One that touches on more than just money — but on respect, visibility, and the future of women’s basketball.
Her voice joins a growing chorus of young athletes who aren’t afraid to ask tough questions, make bold statements, and demand more — not just for themselves, but for the next generation.
As the WNBA prepares for a landmark 2025 season — featuring rising stars like Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and Reese herself — the spotlight has never been brighter.
And thanks to Reese’s candid honesty, the pressure is now on league executives, sponsors, and fans to rise to the occasion.
Because one thing is clear: Angel Reese doesn’t just want to play the game — she wants to change it.