BIG FAILURE FOR WNBA: Angel Reese announced she won’t play in the WNBA because her $75,000 annual contract is too small.
BIG FAILURE FOR WNBA: Angel Reese Announces She Won’t Play Because of $75,000 Annual Contract
In a stunning revelation that has shaken the foundations of women’s professional basketball, rising star Angel Reese has announced she will not be playing in the WNBA, citing the league’s shockingly low salary as the core reason.
Reese, a cultural icon and college basketball sensation known for her charisma, talent, and viral on-court moments, dropped the bombshell on social media late Tuesday, stating she cannot justify committing her future to a league that offers her only $75,000 per year — less than what some social media influencers make in a month.
“I have worked too hard, sacrificed too much, and built a brand that’s worth more than what the WNBA is offering,” Reese wrote in her Instagram story. “I love the game. But I won’t settle.”
Her decision has reignited the debate about pay inequality in women’s sports, particularly in the WNBA — where the base salary for rookies often ranges between $64,000 and $75,000, depending on draft position.
Caitlin Clark in the Spotlight Again
The announcement comes amid already mounting pressure on the WNBA following the highly publicized struggles of Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick and one of the most popular athletes in the U.S. this year. Despite drawing record crowds and single-handedly boosting WNBA ratings, Clark herself signed a mere $76,000 contract — a number that has been slammed as “laughable” by critics and fans alike.
While Clark has remained professional and committed to playing the full season, sources close to the player reveal she is frustrated and exhausted, both by the physicality of the league and the lack of meaningful financial reward.
Reese’s bold exit now puts additional pressure on Caitlin Clark, who has shouldered the responsibility of being the WNBA’s biggest draw — while still earning far less than her male counterparts or even her own potential in the private sector.
“This Is a Wake-Up Call”
WNBA insiders are calling Reese’s announcement a wake-up call for the league. The fact that two of the most high-profile players in recent history — Clark and Reese — are either underpaid or refusing to play at all raises serious questions about the league’s sustainability.
“The WNBA cannot survive if it continues to alienate its own stars,” one former league executive said. “They need to adapt — fast.”
Fans Are Divided
Social media exploded following Reese’s statement, with fans divided. Some applaud her for standing up for herself, while others accuse her of abandoning the game.
“Angel Reese is right. These women deserve better,” one fan tweeted. “But I wish she would stay and fight from the inside.”
Whether her decision marks a personal career pivot or the start of a broader movement, one thing is clear: the WNBA now faces a credibility crisis, and the world is watching what happens next.
