Angel Reese and the uncomfortable truth of the WNBA: on-court passion vs. seven-figure earnings off it

Angel Reese sparked debate on X after an interaction with a fan who questioned her preseason photos, indirectly criticizing WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The Chicago Sky star seized the moment to highlight the disparity between the salary of her dream job and the income from her secondary work, shedding light on an issue many WNBA fans have quietly discussed.

Angel Reese challenges the WNBA, exposing the truth about seven-figure salaries off the court

“Well, no. I’ll never choose because my dream job doesn’t pay enough, while my side job pays seven figures. Anyway… go check out my new episode!” Reese wrote, igniting a wave of comments on social media.

Angel Reese is one of the standout players of her generation, but her WNBA salary reflects the disparity most female athletes face.

The economic reality behind Angel Reese talent

With a four-year rookie contract worth $324,383, her annual average is just $81,096—insufficient to cover basic expenses like the $8,000 rent she shared online.

minding my own business. don’t check for me. #thankya pic.twitter.com/nrKjq7VSi5

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) October 2, 2025

Compared to male professional leagues, this amount is minimal, underscoring the importance of sponsorships and side jobs to maintain financial stability.

Reese herself has debunked estimates of her net worth, stating that figures of $2 million were “way off,” making it clear that the gap between her passion and her earnings is significant.

Angel Reese takes the leap into Hollywood

Beyond the court, Reese is already exploring new opportunities. She made a cameo in the Netflix film A House of Dynamite, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and starring Idris Elba.

On her podcast Unapologetically Angel, Reese shared her Hollywood experience: “My small acting role was great. I’m really excited to pursue acting during my career, and beyond that too.”

While her talent in the WNBA remains indisputable, averaging 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds across 30 games this season, Angel Reese proves her ambition knows no bounds.