Angel Reese revealed that her WNBA salary barely covers her everyday expenses, sparking online discourse.
“I just hope y’all know the WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all,” the 22-year-old Chicago Sky star said candidly in an Instagram Live clip circulating social media. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills.”
Reese said her rent is $8,000 and jokingly added, “I’m living beyond my means like y’all think. I don’t even know my salary for the WNBA.”
The WNBA salaries are historically lower than those in the NBA. Reese, a player who played a major role in the league’s increased viewership, made an estimated $73,000 during her rookie season.
“I mean, being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing,” Reese previously said. “I think it’s a plus for me.”
The league announced that this season was their most watched and most attended in decades, with a 170% increase in viewership on ESPN-platformed games compared to last season.
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Reese’s comments were met with negative backlash from people who assumed she could not fund her lifestyle.
“She’s the one who chose to move into an apartment that’s 8k per month lol. If your salary can’t afford a certain level of rent, then maybe you shouldn’t sign that lease,” one user wrote on X.
Another person said, “She could literally move somewhere else that ain’t $8k. Complaining for what.”
In addition to a record-shattering season, Reese has earned endorsements and partnerships with major brands, including Beats by Dre, Reebok, and Reese’s. The Hersey’s candy announced their apparel collaboration the Chicago Sky forward in August. The collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and jerseys.
“To the Reese’s Pieces, ya’ll made this happen! Shop our limited edition Angel Reese x Reese’s pieces Logo Collection on The AngelReese.com Now!,” Reese’s said in a statement.
Reese is also the host of her own weekly podcast titled “Unapologetically Angel” which has had multiple celebrity appearances. Her sit down with singer Mariah The Scientist and rapper Latto has more than 870,000 views.
Outside her fashion moments in the WNBA tunnel, she also been serving looks at major events. Earlier this week, she was photographed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City with Cardi B and Coco Jones.
