Angel Reese's Rookie Salary Struggles Highlight WNBA Pay Disparity
WNBA star Angel Reese, despite her prominence on the court, recently opened up about her financial struggles, bringing attention to the pay gap in professional women's basketball. Reese, a rookie for the Chicago Sky, revealed during an Instagram Live session that her WNBA salary of $73,439 doesn’t come close to covering her basic expenses. Reese, who pays $8,000 a month in rent, joked, “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” adding that her entire salary wouldn’t even cover her yearly rent, let alone other living costs.
Also Read:- Central Park Five Takes Legal Action Against Trump for Defamation
- Frozen Waffles Recalled Across Canada and U.S. Over Listeria Contamination Concerns
Reese’s comments highlight a stark contrast between WNBA salaries and those of their NBA counterparts. While the highest-paid WNBA player earns just over $250,000 annually, NBA stars like Steph Curry make upwards of $50 million per year. Reese acknowledged that the pay disparity forces many WNBA players to find additional income sources. She shared that her main earnings come from endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Reese’s chocolates, with her WNBA salary being more of a "bonus."
To supplement her income further, Reese also participates in off-season basketball leagues like Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 league, which offers players an opportunity to make six-figure salaries in just a few months. This is a significant boost for WNBA athletes, some of whom have had to travel overseas to earn more money in the past.
Reese’s story is a reflection of a broader issue in the world of women's sports, where athletes often struggle to make a living solely from their league salaries. While WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged progress in the league's growth, there’s clearly still a long way to go in terms of closing the gap between male and female athletes' earnings. For now, Reese and other top players continue to rely heavily on endorsements and additional basketball leagues to make ends meet.
Read More:
0 Comments