Angel Reese’s Shocking Salary Reveal Compared to WNBA Stars: The Truth Behind Women’s Basketball Pay

When Angel Reese recently spoke openly about her earnings compared to WNBA players, many fans were shocked. However, her comments weren’t entirely unfounded. The disparity between what college basketball stars can earn through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and what professional WNBA players make has ignited a fresh debate about pay equity and the future of women’s basketball.

Angel Reese’s Perspective: No Rush to Join the WNBA

Angel Reese, the NCAA champion and LSU star, recently shared that she’s in no hurry to leave college basketball for the WNBA. In fact, Reese revealed that her current earnings surpass those of some of the league’s highest-paid players.

“I’m just chilling. I’m not rushing to go pro,” Reese said during a press event. “I make more money right now than some of the top players in the league.”

Reese’s statement highlights the evolving landscape of college sports, especially after the introduction of NIL rights in 2021, which allow student-athletes to profit from endorsements and sponsorships for the first time.

Angel Reese’s Massive NIL Deals

Angel Reese currently holds one of the most lucrative NIL portfolios in college basketball history, having signed deals with 17 major brands, including Raising Cane’s, McDonald’s, Amazon, Bose, Xfinity, Outback Steakhouse, and Wingstop. This puts her among the top earners nationally, with an estimated NIL valuation that soared from $485,000 to $876,000 following her NCAA championship win.

According to On3.com, Reese ranks third among female college basketball players for NIL deal value, just behind Haley and Hanna Cavinder, who hold deals valued at $930,000 and $924,000 respectively.

WNBA Salaries: The Stark Contrast

To put Reese’s earnings into perspective, the highest-paid player in the WNBA, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, earns $252,450 for the 2023 season. Young recently won a WNBA championship, cementing her status as one of the league’s top talents.

Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 WNBA salaries for 2023:

Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces: $252,450

Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings: $241,984

Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm: $231,515

DeWanna Bonner, Connecticut Sun: $224,870

Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury: $224,870

Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics: $224,870

Natasha Howard, New York Liberty: $224,675

Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun: $209,000

Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun: $208,075

Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever: $206,000

The average WNBA salary in 2022 was roughly $102,751 among 151 players, highlighting the challenges professional women basketball players face financially.

Why the Discrepancy?

The stark contrast between NIL earnings and WNBA salaries comes down to revenue generation and league structure. The WNBA, despite growing in popularity, still generates less revenue than male sports leagues or many other professional sports worldwide. Consequently, salaries remain relatively low.

On the other hand, the NCAA’s NIL rights explosion has opened unprecedented earning opportunities for college athletes. Players like Angel Reese leverage their fame and social media presence to sign endorsements worth hundreds of thousands, or even close to a million dollars, often while still in school.

The Impact on Player Decisions

Reese’s comments are a clear sign of how lucrative NIL deals have become. Because of this, many players are not rushing to leave college, opting instead to maximize their NIL earnings before entering the WNBA draft.

This trend could reshape women’s basketball, as players weigh financial security against the prestige of going professional. Reese herself has two more years before she can enter the WNBA draft, a window she’s clearly using to build her brand and financial stability.

The Overseas Money Factor

WNBA salaries have long been supplemented by overseas contracts during the league’s off-season. Many WNBA stars, including Brittney Griner, have played internationally to earn additional income.

Griner, before her detention in Russia, reportedly made over $1 million annually playing for UMKC Ekaterinburg in the Russian league — about four times her WNBA salary. This overseas income was a crucial part of her financial picture.

Many WNBA players choose this route because the WNBA’s salary caps and collective bargaining agreements currently limit their earning potential domestically.

The Challenges for Women’s Professional Basketball

The financial gap exposes larger challenges facing women’s professional basketball:

Revenue Limitations: The WNBA’s overall revenue is limited by fewer broadcast deals, sponsorships, and lower ticket sales compared to men’s leagues.

Pay Equity Debate: Women athletes and advocates continue to push for better pay and conditions, sparking ongoing debates around gender pay equity in sports.

Sponsorship Shifts: College NIL deals might be attracting sponsorship dollars that could otherwise go to professional leagues.

Player Retention: With lucrative NIL deals available, some players might delay or reconsider turning pro, which could impact the league’s growth and competitiveness.

What’s Next for Angel Reese and Women’s Basketball?

Angel Reese’s rising NIL value and her cautious approach toward the WNBA reflect a shifting sports landscape. While the WNBA works to increase its visibility and revenue, college players with strong NIL deals might temporarily out-earn even top professionals.

Reese’s position challenges traditional views about the path to a professional basketball career, suggesting that financial strategy plays an increasingly important role.

The WNBA is pushing for improvements through collective bargaining, expanded media coverage, and new marketing initiatives. Meanwhile, players like Reese are pioneers in a new era where college athletes can become powerful brands before ever stepping foot in a professional league.

Conclusion

Angel Reese’s candid admission about making more money than some top WNBA players isn’t just a bold statement — it’s a reflection of a new era in women’s sports where NIL rights, endorsements, and social media influence dramatically shift earning potential.

This evolving reality raises critical questions about the future of women’s basketball, professional leagues’ ability to retain talent, and how the sports world values female athletes.

As the conversation around pay equity and athlete empowerment continues, fans, leagues, and players alike will be watching closely to see how these changes reshape the sport and create new opportunities for women in basketball