Over the past two years, the WNBA has experienced significant growth, largely fueled by emerging talents like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. These young stars have been key in attracting millions of viewers, filling arenas, and generating record merchandise sales, positioning the league for unprecedented revenue gains. Despite this surge, the league is still financially struggling, having lost around $10 million annually before the 2024 season, partly due to costly improvements like the introduction of chartered flights rumored to have added $50 million in expenses.
League executives have frequently cited these financial pressures to justify maintaining low salaries for players, coaches, and staff. However, with a new media rights deal expected to bring in $200 million, players are now demanding more substantial compensation, rejecting the initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal from the owners as insufficient. A critical meeting was held on the first day of the 2025 All-Star weekend to address these escalating tensions.
Angel Reese Speaks Out on Owners’ Resistance to Player Demands
The recent negotiation session brought together around 40 top WNBA players, including Reese and Clark, alongside the commissioner and team owners. Reese expressed deep frustration after witnessing the discussions firsthand, stating the issue transcends her personally and emphasizing the players’ determination to continue pushing until their demands are met.
“It’s bigger than me. … We’re not gonna stop until we get what we want, and yesterday’s meeting really woke me up to the eyes of we aren’t getting what we deserve.” —Angel Reese, Chicago Sky star
Reese admitted she was initially unaware of the full extent of the owners’ offer but being present at the meeting shed light on the disparity between what is proposed and what players feel they rightfully deserve. Her stance signals a growing willingness among athletes to fight for improved conditions and fair recognition within the league.
Historical Pay Gaps and Angel Reese’s Stand on Potential Boycott
The 2020 CBA brought meaningful gains for WNBA players, including higher salaries and maternity benefits. Yet, a vast wage gap remains in comparison with NBA players. Professionals like Reese argue that the league’s potential, showcased by increasingly entertaining performances and viewership, justifies a higher pay scale that matches this growth. This belief has intensified as the league prepares to welcome three additional expansion teams, increasing the roster from 12 to 18 by 2030.
The substantial $250 million franchise fees paid for these new teams underscore the WNBA’s upward trajectory and owner interest in capitalizing on future success. Reese had previously suggested she might sit out games if the league failed to meet players’ compensation demands, reflecting the severity of player grievances. With the October 1st deadline looming, negotiations are expected to intensify as athletes and their union seek an agreement.
Gabby Williams Highlights WNBA’s Tactics Against Competing Leagues and Salary Disparities
Angel Reese was part of the inaugural Unrivaled League along with 35 others—a league known for providing better salaries and facilities compared to the WNBA. Despite Caitlin Clark’s absence, Unrivaled managed to break even in its first year, amplifying pressure on the WNBA to improve its conditions. Seattle Storm and France star Gabby Williams criticized the WNBA for attempting to monopolize player participation while resisting paying wages that compete with other leagues.
“It’s very clear that the league wants to push away all other leagues, without still paying more than those leagues pay us. It would make sense if they would pay us more here.” —Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm forward
Williams also condemned the league’s control over players’ offseasons, noting her struggle to return to the WNBA after competing for France at the Paris Olympics. Although she was eventually allowed back, Williams argued that the league’s authority to dictate terms without matching the lucrative offers from European or alternative leagues is unjust. She advocates for collective strength among players to demand fair compensation.
“especially being in that CBA meeting yesterday, it’s very clear that the league wants to push away all other leagues” —Gabby Williams
Implications for the Future of WNBA Salaries and Player Rights
The current standoff between WNBA players and owners occurs at a pivotal moment, as the league expands and gains wider recognition across basketball fans. With new stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark leading the charge, the players’ push for equitable pay reflects a broader fight for respect and sustainability within women’s professional sports. The owners’ reluctance to meet demands, despite growing revenues and fan interest, fuels ongoing frustration and could impact league dynamics if agreements are not met soon.
As the October deadline approaches, players appear united in their resolve to challenge the status quo, leveraging their popularity and the league‘s upward momentum. The outcome of these negotiations will likely set a precedent for future contracts and the empowerment of female athletes in professional basketball, potentially reshaping the gender pay landscape in sports.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. “I injured my hand when I hit the ground after scoring and falling backward,” Reese shared in a TikTok video on Sunday night. “The doctors found a small crack in my bone and said I could choose whether or not to have surgery.”
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Before the Chicago Sky played the Dallas Wings and won 87-76, Angel Reese showed up on the injury report. Reese had a leg injury, making her participation uncertain. Despite this, Reese played, and Coach Tyler Marsh said the injury wasn’t severe.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s talent in basketball is inherited from her parents, who both played at college and professional levels.