“My Rent Is $8,000 a Month!” – Angel Reese Opens Up About How Her WNBA Salary Doesn’t Cover Her Expenses

WNBA star Angel Reese is making waves both on and off the court, but her latest revelation about finances has left fans stunned. Despite being one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball, Reese recently admitted that her WNBA salary alone isn’t enough to cover her living expenses—especially with her $8,000-a-month rent!

WNBA Salary Struggles—Even for a Star Like Reese?
Reese, who was selected by the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is currently on a rookie contract. That means her base salary for the season is approximately $76,000—a stark contrast to the millions that NBA rookies make.

In a candid conversation, the 22-year-old forward revealed just how costly life can be as a professional athlete. “My rent alone is $8,000 a month,” Reese said, highlighting the financial challenges that many WNBA players face.

Given that her salary doesn’t even cover a year’s worth of rent, let alone other expenses like training, travel, and lifestyle needs, Reese is relying on other income streams to maintain her lifestyle.

How Is Reese Making Ends Meet?
Thankfully, Reese isn’t just a basketball star—she’s also a marketing powerhouse. She has secured multiple high-profile endorsement deals with major brands like Reebok, Amazon, Mielle Organics, and Beats by Dre. In fact, her NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings from college were estimated to be well over $1.7 million, making her one of the highest-paid female college athletes before she even stepped into the WNBA.

With these lucrative partnerships, Reese can afford the high costs of living in a major city. However, her financial transparency has reignited the debate over WNBA salaries and the pay gap between male and female athletes.

The WNBA Pay Gap Debate
Reese’s comments have sparked conversations about how even top WNBA players struggle to make ends meet based on their league salaries alone. Unlike NBA players, who earn millions annually (with rookie contracts starting at over $10 million for top picks), WNBA players have historically been underpaid.

Many of them take overseas contracts during the offseason to supplement their income—a move that some, like Brittney Griner, have called “a necessary evil” for financial stability. However, with growing sponsorships and more media attention on women’s basketball, there’s hope that WNBA salaries will increase in the future.

Reese’s Influence Beyond Basketball
While her financial struggles highlight the ongoing issues within the league, Angel Reese is far from just another athlete living paycheck to paycheck. Her business acumen, personal brand, and rising popularity make her a trailblazer for the next generation of WNBA players.

Her ability to leverage her fame and build a financial empire beyond the court proves that female athletes can break barriers—but the league still has a long way to go in providing fair compensation.

What’s Next for Reese?
Despite the financial realities of WNBA salaries, Reese continues to shine as one of the league’s most marketable players. With her combination of talent, charisma, and business savvy, she’s proving that success in women’s sports isn’t just about what happens on the court—it’s about knowing how to play the game off it, too.

Do you think WNBA salaries should be higher? Should the league do more to support its players financially? Drop your thoughts in the comments!