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Angel Reese has embraced her role as the WNBA’s ultimate “heel,” and honestly, that’s not an insult—it’s a testament to her impact.
In a league that often struggles for mainstream attention, Reese is the unapologetic, trash-talking, rivalry-stirring personality that keeps the WNBA in the headlines. Love her or hate her, she ensures that people are paying attention. And in a sport that has historically lacked widespread buzz, that might just be exactly what it needs.
Reese and Clark: A New Era of WNBA Popularity
Before Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark became household names, the WNBA rarely dominated sports conversations. The league has been around since the late ‘90s, but its mainstream traction was minimal compared to men’s sports. However, with their arrival, the interest has undeniably surged.
But now, Reese is making waves for another reason—her stance on player salaries.
Angel Reese Sparks Controversy Over WNBA Salaries
During a recent episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Reese hosted Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington. The two discussed the future of the league, particularly in light of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. Players opted out early in hopes of negotiating better salaries and working conditions.
Reese didn’t hold back, stating, “I’ve got to get in the meetings because I’m hearing like, ‘If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out.’”
Carrington echoed her sentiment, adding, “That’s a possibility. For real.”
Social Media Reacts: Harsh Criticism and Sarcasm
Despite Reese’s strong stance, the possibility of a WNBA strike wasn’t met with much concern from critics online. Social media users were quick to fire back with dismissive comments.
One person mocked, “Oh no, the 34 people watching would be devastated.” Another scoffed, “Nobody cares.”
Some comments turned even more brutal: “Of all the things I don’t care about, I don’t care about a WNBA strike the hardest,” one person quipped, while another pointed out, “You realize you don’t get paid for sitting out, I presume.”
The WNBA’s Financial Reality: Is a Pay Raise Feasible?
It’s no secret that the WNBA has been growing in popularity, but financial stability remains a major issue. Despite an increase in viewership, the league is still not profitable and heavily depends on subsidies from the NBA to stay afloat.
In 2023, reports indicated the WNBA was projected to lose $40 million. With experts suggesting profitability is still far off, the reality is that higher player salaries aren’t currently sustainable.
Where’s the Leverage?
While it’s understandable that players like Reese are pushing for higher pay—especially with rookies like her and Clark making just around $75,000 a year—the fundamental issue remains: the money simply isn’t there.
Currently, WNBA players receive only about 9% of the league’s revenue, a stark contrast to NBA players. However, unlike their male counterparts, WNBA players aren’t benefiting from a lucrative, cash-generating league.
Can Reese’s Bold Stance Change the Game?
Angel Reese isn’t afraid to challenge the system, and whether she’s admired or criticized, she’s undeniably making people talk. But as the CBA negotiations loom, the question remains: Can WNBA players push for real change, or will financial limitations keep their salaries stagnant?
Only time will tell if this movement leads to a breakthrough—or if it’s just another headline-making moment in Reese’s ever-controversial career.
