WNBA reveals alarming inequality as players fight against decades of wage discrimination

A wave of criticism has begun to swell within the WNBA, with high-profile players like Chicago Sky’s star Angel Reese leading the charge. According to Reese, her official salary within the WNBA is notably low. In fact, she addressed this issue on social media after winning the inaugural Unrivaled Championship, for which she earned a $50,000 bonus.

Criticism toward the WNBA

Angel Reese has been vocal about her earnings. As a rookie in the WNBA, she disclosed that her earnings amounted to $73,439—a figure she considers insufficient and significantly below the salaries of her male counterparts in the NBA. In this historic game, the Rose Club defeated the Vinyl team 62-54 to claim the league’s first championship title. According to league rules, each player received $50,000—a stark contrast to the pay scales seen in the NBA.

 

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Low salaries take center stage

In another post, a fan of Angel Reese jokingly asked her for a share of her prize money. However, the WNBA star responded with a thinly veiled critique. “Hate to break it to you, but I’m on a rookie contract (WNBA). That $50K was a little over half my contract, so I can’t spare it… Sorry,” she wrote. “Give me a few years and I got you. Get well soon.”

This isn’t the first time Reese has voiced her dissatisfaction with WNBA salaries. On previous occasions, she has highlighted that these wages are disappointing, especially when compared to the NBA.

Just a few months ago, Reese joked about “living beyond her means,” revealing that she pays $8,000 monthly in rent for her downtown Chicago apartment while her rookie WNBA salary stands at $73,439.

Top-tier players like Angel Reese often manage to earn hundreds of thousands more, but this is largely due to sponsorship deals and private commercial agreements—not their WNBA salary. “Hope y’all know the WNBA doesn’t pay my bills,” Reese previously posted online, underscoring the league’s inadequate pay structure.

Contract concerns

As per sources like Sportrac, Angel Reese will only be eligible for a new WNBA contract in 2028. Her current deal is for four years and totals $324,383. Meanwhile, other players in the league are pushing for higher salaries as part of their new collective bargaining agreement.

Even though Angel Reese’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, she has publicly contested these figures, emphasizing the vast disparity in earnings. According to ESPN, WNBA players can earn up to $241,984 annually. In stark contrast, the New York Times reports that NBA players can rake in over $100 million per season.

Multiple WNBA players are considering a strike over pay disparities, with Angel Reese notably stating that she may “sit out” if her demands for better compensation are not met.

The WNBA wouldn’t exist without the NBA subsidizing it. No one watches the WNBA. If you want a higher… pic.twitter.com/gVkahRjjzZ

— Brandon Wilkinson (@brawil86) March 11, 2025

A call to action

This glaring pay gap between male and female athletes is becoming increasingly evident. It’s a conversation that gains momentum, thanks to the visibility of prominent WNBA players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. Reese herself addressed the issue on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, stating that if WNBA players don’t receive fair compensation, they will “step aside” until an agreement is reached. This bold stance could potentially jeopardize the 2026 season.