Angel Reese clarifies WNBA holdout comments and makes it known where she stands on pay scale

Angel Reese speaks to the media during the Unrivaled season.LAPRESSE

There’s a big reason Angel Reese has a ton of fans. It’s also the main reason she has a lot of haters as well. Reese doesn’t mince words and is never afraid to speak her mind, no matter what the topic is. She also has a penchant for making waves with her comments, and that’s exactly what happened on Friday.

On her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, Reese threatened to sit out WNBA games if players aren’t paid well enough following a new CBA. Fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington, who was on the podcast with Reese, mentioned that there’s a real possibility of a strike happening. Unsurprisingly, this has been met with a lot of backlash. Many opposing fans continue to point to viewership and revenue numbers for the WNBA, but Reese’s comments were taken out of context by some.

Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington’s unexpected bond off the court surprises fans

Angel Reese never said WNBA players should get NBA money

A section of fans ran with the story that Reese was “demanding” WNBA players get paid like NBA players. That was simply not true, and Reese has come out to defend herself.

Reese didn’t back down from her original sentiment, though. She truly feels WNBA players are grossly underpaid. She also doesn’t like that incoming rookies in 2026 will likely be getting paid more money than some veterans.

While Reese’s reputation as a brash personality may not be the perfect representation that WNBA players might want, it’s impressive that she feels like a driving force in the league enough to make a demand like this. Many WNBA players will appreciate it greatly if she can spark change.