Leonard Ellerbe, former CEO of Mayweather Promotions, recently came to the defense of WNBA star Angel Reese after she spoke out about the financial difficulties she faces despite her growing fame. During an Instagram Live session, Reese, a power forward for the Chicago Sky, shared that her WNBA salary barely covers her living expenses, admitting she felt she was living beyond her means.
Reese’s comments came after attending the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York, where she revealed that her current earnings from the WNBA could not sustain her lifestyle. “The WNBA doesn’t pay my bills,” said the 22-year-old, sharing that her rent in Chicago alone costs $8,000. The Louisiana State University alum emphasized that without additional income streams, she would struggle to afford even basic necessities.
Watch Angel Reese transform from Bayou Barbie to goddess in behind-the-scenes photoshoot
Reese’s candid remarks ignited debates on social media about pay disparity in professional sports, with fans both supporting and criticizing her. Ellerbe, who has announced plans to engage more in promoting WNBA players, responded to one critic on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Oh, it’s going to get worse. She’s getting to the bag, and that’s what’s up. Baltimore stand-up .” Ellerbe believes Reese’s increasing popularity will allow her to earn significantly more through endorsements and other opportunities.
The larger issue of pay disparity in women’s sports
Reese’s contract with the Chicago Sky, signed earlier this year, totals $324,383 over four years, translating to about $73,439 annually. While this is a decent salary, it pales in comparison to the earnings of her male counterparts in the NBA. Fortunately, Reese has supplemented her income through various brand deals and endorsements. In 2023, she partnered with Reebok to launch her collection, “Angel’s Picks,” and has secured deals with brands like Beats by Dre, Airbnb, Amazon, and Raising Cane’s.
Reese’s situation reflects a broader issue affecting women in sports: despite the high costs of maintaining their careers, including paying for trainers, agents, and other support staff, female athletes often earn far less than their male counterparts. Reese’s comments have reignited conversations about pay equity and the financial struggles faced by WNBA players.
While Angel Reese continues to be a prominent figure both on and off the court, her experiences underscore the ongoing challenge of achieving fair compensation in women’s sports. Her growing fame might indeed lead to more lucrative opportunities, but it also highlights the persistent need for change within the industry.
