Angel Reese has openly revealed that her WNBA salary does not cover her everyday expenses, bringing attention to the financial difficulties faced by many female basketball players. Speaking candidly, she described her contract as more of a bonus than a sustainable income, pointing to the reality of high living costs despite modest league wages.
Discrepancy Between Income and Living Expenses
During an Instagram live session, Reese stated,
“the WNBA don’t pay my bills”
, drawing attention to the significant gap between her earnings and her monthly costs. Her base salary, which is around $73,000, falls short of covering her housing expenses alone, which amount to $8,000 per month or roughly $96,000 annually. This financial strain is not unique to her, as many players find their salaries insufficient to cover basic needs, prompting them to seek additional sources of income.
Supplementing Income Through Endorsements and New Ventures
To manage the financial shortfall from her basketball salary, Reese has secured several endorsement deals with well-known brands like Reebok, Reese’s Pieces, and Beats by Dre. She also hosts the podcast Unapologetically Angel, which has become a valuable platform for generating supplemental income. Furthermore, Reese participates in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, which offers six-figure compensation and equity stakes, providing both financial relief and career opportunities during the WNBA offseason.