Angel Reese’s Instagram Post Ignites Broader WNBA Labor Movement Ahead of 2025 CBA Deadline

Angel Reese has never been one to stay quiet—on or off the court. But her latest social media post, while wrapped in glamour and style, has struck a much deeper chord within the WNBA. As the Chicago Sky forward shared stunning birthday photos in a red dress to her Instagram feed, what looked like a moment of personal celebration quickly became a flashpoint for the league’s growing labor tensions.

The backdrop? A rapidly approaching deadline. The current WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire in October 2025. And with less than 18 months left to renegotiate the terms that will define the future of women’s professional basketball, players are becoming increasingly vocal—and more united than ever before.

Reese’s photos, which went viral within hours, came just days after she made an explosive comment on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” During the March episode, she revealed the behind-the-scenes sentiment brewing during union meetings.

“If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out,” Reese declared, speaking candidly about the tone and frustration among players as CBA discussions intensify. The comment wasn’t just a moment of bravado; it was a warning. And it echoed across the league.

Angel Reese Wants More Than a Raise: She’s Fighting for Stability

At just 22 years old, Angel Reese has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA. Known for her outspoken nature and fierce competitiveness, she has parlayed her college stardom into a professional platform—and she’s not afraid to use it.

On her podcast, Reese didn’t just call for higher salaries. She called for structural change. “I want to be in the room,” she said. She spoke about long-term benefits, better pensions, improved travel conditions, and most poignantly, meaningful support for players who want to have families.

“You can’t talk about growing this league and not talk about what players are dealing with every day,” she added. “Some of us are barely making rent.”

Her salary with the Chicago Sky is roughly $73,000 for the season. For most Americans, that’s a livable wage. But for a professional athlete competing at the highest level and bringing in millions of fans and views, it’s increasingly viewed as a slap in the face.

Reese also highlighted how she had to participate in the off-season 3-on-3 Unrivaled league just to make ends meet. She admitted she was grateful for the $50,000 bonus she received there, saying she “needed it” to cover expenses.

The frustration is amplified by projections that some incoming 2026 rookies—riding the coattails of surging viewership and revenue—might earn more than seasoned players like Reese. The pay disparity threatens to alienate veterans and fracture locker rooms, unless the league course-corrects soon.

Satou Sabally and a League-Wide Chorus of Discontent

Reese is not alone. Players across the league have voiced their displeasure with the league’s initial CBA offer. Satou Sabally, a standout forward for the Phoenix Mercury and one of the league’s most articulate voices on labor rights, called the offer “a slap in the face.”

“We’ve grown the game, and now it’s time for the league to meet us halfway,” Sabally tweeted.

According to sources within the WNBPA, the initial proposal from the league included modest pay bumps and vague promises on travel improvements. But many players see it as insufficient given the WNBA’s recent economic boom.

Indeed, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The WNBA is expected to announce a landmark $2.2 billion media rights deal by early 2026. On top of that, three new expansion teams—in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030)—are each paying upwards of $80 million in franchise fees. That means more than $250 million flowing into league coffers.

Yet, WNBA players currently receive just 20-25% of league revenue, compared to the NBA’s 50% split with its players. That difference is no longer seen as sustainable by many inside the union.

A Subtle But Powerful Nod from the Top: Nneka Ogwumike’s Response

One of the most poignant moments in this saga didn’t come in a boardroom or a postgame press conference. It came in the comments section of Angel Reese’s Instagram.

Nneka Ogwumike, the ten-time All-Star and current president of the WNBPA, responded with a simple heart emoji to Reese’s post. In a world where silence often speaks volumes, that single emoji said more than paragraphs ever could.

Ogwumike, who has been deeply involved in negotiations since her rookie year in 2012, has long advocated for a fairer economic model. She helped engineer the groundbreaking 2020 CBA, which brought major gains in salaries and maternity benefits. But she knows the 2025 agreement needs to go even further.

Sources say Ogwumike is currently organizing a series of player-led town halls to keep union members aligned, informed, and prepared for every possible scenario—including a lockout.

Strike or Progress? That Is the Question

Nobody wants a strike. Players, coaches, league executives, and fans all hope the negotiations reach a satisfactory conclusion without disrupting the 2026 season. But with each passing week, the tension grows.

Some insiders believe a strike is a real possibility if players feel disrespected or ignored in upcoming rounds of negotiation. The WNBPA’s leadership has made it clear: this generation of players is more unified, more informed, and more strategic than any that has come before it.

“We’re not just playing basketball. We’re building a league. We’re laying the foundation,” Reese said during her podcast. “And if we don’t speak up now, when will we?”

Angel Reese: A Star, a Symbol, and a Catalyst

Angel Reese might be young, but she’s become a symbol of a larger movement. Her boldness in front of the camera and behind the mic has rallied fans, media, and fellow players to pay attention to more than just the scoreboard.

She’s part of a new wave of WNBA stars who understand that visibility is power, and with that power comes responsibility. Whether she’s blocking shots on the court or blocking bad faith proposals at the bargaining table, Reese represents the future of the league.

And it’s a future that demands better pay, stronger protections, and a seat at every table where decisions are made.

Looking Ahead: Hope Amidst Uncertainty

The clock is ticking. With just over a year left before the current CBA expires, every post, every comment, and every vote in union meetings matters. Angel Reese has ensured that her voice—and the voices of her peers—won’t be sidelined.

Her viral red dress photo may have been meant to celebrate a birthday. But its ripple effects have become a rallying cry for a new generation of players unwilling to accept the status quo.

As Nneka Ogwumike, Angel Reese, Satou Sabally, and others continue to lead the charge, one thing is clear: the 2025 CBA negotiations won’t just define contracts. They’ll define the WNBA for decades to come.