Lamenting Over WNBA Salary, Angel Reese Sets a Surprising Goal Amid Lynx-NY Liberty Clash

Angel Reese is undeniably one of the major factors in the WNBA’s trajectory this season. However, this doesn’t guarantee her enough income to even cover her house rent. According to “Chi-Town Barbie,” her monthly rent is $8K, totaling $96K per annum to her WNBA salary of $73,439. “Hatin’ pays them bills, baby… I hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills,” she said. And that’s why the Chicago Sky standout has a ‘surprising goal.’

For Angel Reese, endorsements are the major source of income to cover her expenses throughout the year. So, she dreams of landing more commercial ads to make more money. But there’s a massive request she has alongside her wish. “Seeing myself in commercials while watching the WNBA finals is a dream…” read a statement by Reese on X.

While landing more deals, she finds herself fully immersed in watching the finals rather than playing in them. Yes, you read that right—Reese mentioned that “watching the WNBA Finals” is a dream for her. The 2024 WNBA Draft’s No. 7 pick had an amazing rookie season until she landed on her left wrist, suffering a hairline fracture.

This injury led her to miss the last few games of the season, which were crucial in determining the Sky’s chances of making the playoffs. As a result, the Sky’s strength trio fell apart, and the Dream took the playoff berth from them. Keeping team spirit alive, Reese sets an example by supporting those battling it out in the finals—while still making money.

Reese’s endorsement deals have been ongoing since her time at LSU.

For LSU’s former standout, NIL approval turned out to be a major advantage. After a stunning collegiate career, the commercial portfolio she built in Baton Rouge followed her to Chicago. For her, Reebok and Beats by Dre were among the game-changers on that list. Even after joining the WNBA, the 6’3″ forward’s off-court earnings will remain her primary source of income for at least the next couple of years.

How? Her rookie deal maxes out at a staggering $93,636 by 2027 before she enters restricted free agency. By that time, the WNBA is expected to have a new CBA and a sizable media rights deal that promises to boost player salaries. Reese is sure to benefit from that.

But even now, she’s not making a small amount. While many WNBA players ply their trade overseas to earn more, Reese inked a deal to compete in the newest league, Unrivaled. Co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, this three-on-three league promises to offer salaries in six figures—“the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.”

This means Reese will get her share too. According to Sports Illustrated, her salary for the eight-week tournament set to kick off in January 2025 will be $250,000. She’s making more than you think. Impressive, right?