During the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) meeting held alongside the WNBA All-Star weekend in Indiana, 40 players gathered to discuss the league’s future. Among them, Angel Reese, the two-time All-Star power forward for the Chicago Sky, stood out as a leading figure, despite not yet holding an official leadership position within the WNBPA union. Reese’s growing involvement signals a potential bid for a union leadership role in the near future.
Reese’s Growing Commitment to Player Advocacy
Angel Reese reflected on the significance of her experience at the CBA meeting, emphasizing the power of voicing concerns and standing up for players’ rights.
“I learned so much this past weekend how important it is to speak up and speak your voice,”
Reese said. She added,
“Coming down, I will be a union leader because I know how important it is.”
Her statements underscore her readiness to take on greater responsibilities within the union structure.
Teammates and Veterans Support Reese’s Leadership Aspirations
Reese’s teammate, Elizabeth Williams, who currently serves as the secretary of the WNBPA executive committee, praised her enthusiasm and engagement.
“She was really attentive in the meeting and asking me questions,”
Williams noted,
“And she’s asking questions even outside of that.”
Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike, a 10-time All-Star and the current union president, expressed strong approval of Reese’s presence at the CBA talks.
“I was so happy to see her in the CBA meeting,”
Ogwumike said.
“She came to me and was like, ‘We should have more people.’ And I was like, ‘Oh!’ Because I was just happy we had that many players show up. And I thought, you know what? I need to think bigger.”
WNBA’s Growth Reflects the Work of Current and Emerging Leaders
Ogwumike played a crucial role in the 2020 CBA agreement, which marked a milestone for WNBA players’ rights and benefits. Since then, the league has expanded rapidly, a progression fueled by standout talents like Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. The WNBA recently secured a $200 million media rights deal and anticipates over $1 billion in expansion fees from new teams being added throughout this decade.
Reese acknowledged the contributions of veteran players to the evolving landscape.
“They show a lot that they care about our generation, not just theirs,”
she said.
“They don’t know how much longer they’ll be playing. They’re doing it for our younger generation.”
Angel Reese’s Rising Profile on and off the Court
As Reese prepares for a possible union leadership role, she is also making strides on the court. Known for her defensive tenacity and rebounding prowess, she has been sharpening her offensive game this season. After a promising rookie year, Reese is averaging 13.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 22 healthy games, showcasing marked improvements in her shooting percentages. Her teammates have encouraged her growth as a confident scorer, enhancing her overall impact on the Chicago Sky.
Implications of Reese’s Leadership Ambitions for the WNBA
Angel Reese’s emerging presence in union discussions symbolizes a shift toward greater player involvement in league governance. With support from established leaders like Ogwumike and Williams, Reese could help steer the WNBA’s continued evolution off the court, advocating for player interests as the league experiences unprecedented growth. Her leadership promises to inspire a new generation of athletes to be active participants in shaping the future of women’s professional basketball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a TikTok video posted late Sunday night, Reese explained, “When I landed on my hand after the shot, I ended up with a small bone crack.” She continued, “The doctors mentioned I could choose to either have surgery or skip it.”
Q. Why did McDonald’s partner with Angel Reese?
A. This collaboration highlights excellence. It marks McDonald’s first nationwide meal partnership with a female athlete, focusing on future standout talents.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel, as her parents played the sport during their college years. Angel’s mother even played professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been independent and taught me to be the same,” Angel shared with Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.
Q. How much money did Angel Reese get from McDonald’s?
A. Angel Reese receives $16 million from McDonald’s. In the WNBA, she earns about $75,000 annually. This amount is equal to her WNBA salary over 213 years.