Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) walks on the court during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is calling for better pay in the WNBA, warning of a potential player boycott if the league fails to meet demands in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Reese signed a four-year, $324,383 rookie contract and will earn just under $75,000 in 2025, an amount she argues undervalues women’s basketball’s rising popularity.
Speaking on her Unapologetically Angel podcast, Angel Reese made her stance clear. “If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out,” she said while talking to fellow WNBA player Dijonai Carrington. The current CBA runs through October 31, 2025, but players have opted out, setting the stage for heated negotiations.
Players Push For Pay Raises As League Grows
Angel Reese (Photo via YouTube)
The WNBA’s increased visibility has fueled calls for better salaries. The league recently secured an 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBCU, set to begin in 2026. Despite this financial boost, rookie contracts remain relatively low, with Angel Reese and fellow star Caitlin Clark locked into five-figure salaries while future rookies could see pay increases under the new agreement.
Reese expressed frustration over this disparity. “I can’t wait for the new CBA,” she said, acknowledging reports that incoming players in 2026 could earn more than she and Clark will on their current deals. Carrington, who has been involved in league meetings, confirmed this possibility.
Beyond her WNBA earnings, Reese supplements her income through endorsements with Reebok, Angel Reese’s, and Beats by Dre. She also competes in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, where players receive six-figure salaries. Even so, Reese has been vocal about financial struggles, previously stating her $8,000 monthly rent exceeds her WNBA paycheck.
With negotiations looming, the league faces mounting pressure from players demanding a pay structure that reflects their contributions to the game’s rapid growth. Whether the WNBA meets these demands could determine whether stars like Reese take the court- or sit out in protest.
