In recent months, the WNBA has seen heated debate over player pay.
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese once alleged that her WNBA contract did not cover her costs during the league’s ongoing compensation dispute with its players.
Reese, 23, is one of several WNBA players who have expressed concerns about their salary in recent years.
Just last month, players warming up for the All-Star Game wore jerseys that read, “Pay us what you owe us.”
This came after a collective bargaining agreement stagnated during All-Star Week. Negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have continued, although an agreement has yet to be struck.
On Monday (August 18), Fadeaway World reported that “players rejected a proposal that would have quadrupled their minimum salary from $66,000 to $250,000 and pushed the maximum up to $1 million”.
However, Union representative Satou Sabally, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, called the deal a “slap in the face.”
“I think we can focus on our players in the union,” stated the woman.
“We received a proposal from the league that was a complete slap in the face.” I believe we should focus on the players who are currently in our league, but I also enjoy seeing the league develop. I think having teams in Philadelphia and Detroit is fantastic for the league’s growth.”
Female basketball players continue to be paid much less than their male counterparts in the NBA.
According to SI, the average annual compensation for NBA players during the 2024-25 season was approximately $11,910,649, while the mean for female players was around $147,000, according to Directv Insider.
Back in 2024, Chicago Sky actress Reese complained that her salary did not cover all of her expenses.
Reese stated on Instagram last year: “The WNBA does not pay my bills at all. I don’t think it pays any of my bills. Literally.”
The 23-year-old then revealed that she spends $8,000 per month in rent, or $96,000 per year, much beyond the $73,439 she apparently earned during her first season with the Sky.
Reese also benefits from brand endorsements, having worked with clothing producer Reebok, food outlet McDonald’s, PlayStation, Amazon, and CashApp.
“That check that I do get here is a bonus,” Reese stated during her debut season.
“Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me.”
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