Angel Reese, star forward for the Chicago Sky, has been the subject of widespread attention following a false claim circulating on social media that she earns only $1,400 per week in the WNBA. This misleading figure sparked reactions from several prominent figures, including Tony Durant, brother of NBA star Kevin Durant, and former NFL player Darrelle Revis, amid ongoing discussions about pay disparities in women’s professional basketball.
Social Media Fuels Misleading Reports on Angel Reese’s Earnings
Despite increased visibility, WNBA players do not command salaries comparable to their male counterparts in the NBA, often requiring numerous endorsement deals to supplement their income. This week, a fabricated Instagram post featuring a false quote attributed to Angel Reese, claiming she earns $1,400 weekly, went viral. The inaccuracy prompted criticism and mockery from sports personalities, highlighting the ongoing debate over fair compensation in women’s basketball.
Former NFL star Darrelle Revis pointedly responded on Instagram by encouraging followers to “Do the math,” subtly calling out the misleading claim. Similarly, Tony Durant expressed amusement at the fake quote’s absurdity. Reese herself directly confronted the misinformation.
“I never said this. yall make up anything,” the Sky forward said.
Angel Reese’s Stand on WNBA Players’ Compensation
Since being drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024, Angel Reese has consistently spoken out about the need for improved pay for WNBA athletes. In a detailed conversation with ESPN’s Elle Duncan, Reese stressed that players should receive at least half of the revenue generated by the league, a figure standard in most professional sports but not yet achieved in the WNBA.
Reese highlighted that the WNBA remains the only professional league where players receive a disproportionately low share of revenue, despite their significant contributions to the sport’s growth and popularity.
“Team Revenue,” Reese said when asked what her non-negotiable is for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). “The revenue shares, that’s really important for us. We deserve it. I know we’re not letting up. I know we’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we deserve.”
She also indicated that she is committed to deepening her understanding of the CBA process and plans to advocate for athletes’ rights actively, leveraging her platform to push for equitable treatment and pay reform.
The Broader Impact of the Pay Dispute and What Lies Ahead
The controversy stemming from the false $1,400 quote has emphasized the ongoing struggles WNBA players face regarding salary fairness. As prominent voices like Angel Reese continue to demand more equitable pay, the spotlight shines on the structural challenges within the league. The discussions involving players, their representatives, and league officials ahead of collective bargaining negotiations could lead to meaningful changes in compensation policies.
With influential figures from the sports world drawing attention to these disparities, the momentum for a revamped agreement that aligns the players’ earnings closer to the revenue they help generate is building. Angel Reese’s straightforward call for at least 50% revenue sharing may serve as a catalyst for reform, impacting not just the WNBA but the broader conversation on gender equity in professional sports.