Angel Reese, the 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Sky, is positioning herself as a rising leader in the ongoing WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. Following weekend talks that ended without resolution in Indiana during All-Star festivities, Reese expressed frustration and signaled her intent to take a more active role in advocating for players’ rights within the WNBPA leadership.
Despite being only in her second professional season, Reese walked away from the stalled negotiations with a clear message: the current proposals sent back to the players were “disrespectful” and showed a disregard for their contributions and needs. She hinted that her leadership role with the players’ union could begin as soon as next year, underscoring her commitment to fostering change.
Discontent Over Negotiations Highlights Player Concerns
The latest round of collective bargaining talks between the WNBA players’ union and league officials revealed deep divisions over salary, benefits, and working conditions. Reese, along with veteran players, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the league’s counterproposal, emphasizing ongoing struggles to receive compensation fair to the growth and popularity of the sport.
Reese’s outspokenness adds to a growing chorus among players demanding a significant update to the CBA, following their collective decision to opt out of the previous agreement set in 2020. The players hope to finalize a new agreement before their opt-out deadline in October 2024.
Other notable voices included Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who stressed the need to remain steadfast in negotiations:
We have to stand firm, and we’re not going to be moved on certain topics.
—Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx Forward
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart described the recent meeting as a wasted opportunity, further underscoring the mounting tensions between the two sides.
Reese’s Vision for Using Her Influence to Empower Future Generations
Angel Reese’s rise to prominence began at LSU under coach Kim Mulkey, where she secured an NCAA championship before entering the WNBA. Her rapid growth in popularity and social media presence has given her a platform few players of her age can claim, which she intends to use to amplify the voices of current and future players.
Addressing the importance of being vocal, Reese stated,
This is for the next generation. It’s important to be able to be vocal. If I sit back, it looks like I don’t care. I know my voice and I know my platform. You love it or you hate it, I know it gets views. So I just know that I have to be vocal. I have to sit at that table one day,
—Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward
This dedication to advocacy extends beyond the court; Reese has openly discussed the possibility of more drastic measures, such as a player strike, if progress remains elusive. While both players and fans hope to avoid such outcomes, Reese’s approach reflects growing impatience with the league’s pace in addressing player demands.
The Growing Stakes and Next Steps in WNBA Labor Relations
WNBA viewership, attendance, and corporate sponsorship have seen a positive surge over the past two seasons, yet player compensation and benefits lag behind those offered in comparable U.S. professional sports leagues. This disparity fuels the urgency for improved collective bargaining outcomes.
As negotiations continue, Reese’s emerging leadership role signals a generational shift within the players’ union, blending youthful energy with a serious commitment to reshaping the league’s labor framework. Given her outspoken stance and growing influence, she is expected to play a pivotal role at the negotiation table in the near future.
The next phase of talks will be closely watched by players, league officials, and fans alike, with the possibility of major breakthroughs or further stalemates that could redefine the WNBA’s trajectory for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a video shared on her TikTok late Sunday night, Reese explained that she landed on her hand while playing. This fall caused a minor crack in her bone. She mentioned that doctors gave her two choices: undergo surgery or avoid it.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Reese completed her studies at LSU in March 2024, earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her focus areas included Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. To graduate, she likely had a GPA higher than 2.0, which is the minimum needed for undergraduates.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Before their last game against the Dallas Wings, which they won 87-76, Angel Reese was on the injury list. Reese was marked as questionable because of a leg issue. However, Reese played in the game, and Chicago coach Tyler Marsh stated that the injury is not serious.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel inherited her basketball skills from her parents, who both played at the college and professional levels.