Angel Reese calls out conservative after saying players could sit out WNBA games to negotiate higher salaries

WNBA Player Angel Reese Sparks Controversy with Strike Comments

WNBA player Angel Reese recently made headlines after suggesting that players may consider sitting out games to demand higher salaries during her podcast on Friday. Reese, along with fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington, discussed the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, revealing that discussions among players have turned serious. "I’ve got to get in the meetings because I’m hearing like, ‘If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out,’" Reese said during the podcast. Carrington echoed her sentiments, stating, "That’s a possibility." The comments have ignited a fiery debate on social media, with fans and critics weighing in on the potential implications of a strike and the broader issues surrounding WNBA player compensation.

Reese Speaks Out on Financial Struggles and WNBA Pay

Reese, who has been vocal about her financial situation in the past, emphasized the challenges of surviving on a WNBA salary. "The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally," she remarked. Her statements have resonated with many players who face similar financial struggles, despite their immense talent and dedication to the sport. Reese’s comments also highlight the stark reality that the WNBA, which has never turned a profit and is subsidized by the NBA, continues to grapple with financial constraints that affect player salaries.

Social Media Reacts to Potential Strike and Misinformation

Reese’s remarks sparked a heated online debate, with some fans supporting the players’ demands for fair compensation while others questioned the feasibility of a strike. The situation took a twist when conservative influencer AKA posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Reese had demanded to be paid as much as NBA players. Reese quickly clarified the misinformation, stating, "I never said anything about the NBA. We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes." She reiterated that the focus is on securing a fair deal for WNBA players, not comparing themselves to their NBA counterparts. AKA’s original post was later deleted, but the exchange further fueled the conversation about pay equity in women’s sports.

Angel Reese’s Financial Reality and the WNBA’s Economic Challenges

Reese’s transparency about her financial situation has shed light on the difficulties faced by many WNBA players. She signed a four-year rookie contract worth $324,383 ahead of her first season in 2024 but earned less than $75,000 in her first year and will make even less in 2025. In an Instagram live video last October, Reese admitted that her WNBA salary doesn’t cover her expenses. "I’m living beyond my means. Hating pays them bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all," she said. She revealed that her rent alone costs $8,000 a month, which exceeds her WNBA earnings. "Babe, if y’all thought… That WNBA check don’t pay a thing," she added, emphasizing that the salary barely covers basic needs.

The WNBA Players Union and the Road Ahead

The WNBA players union opted out of its current CBA in October, two years before its expiration. While the current agreement will still cover the 2025 season, the decision signals the players’ determination to negotiate better terms. Reese and Carrington’s comments suggest that players are willing to take a stand, including potentially sitting out games, to push for significant changes. The negotiations will likely focus on issues such as higher salaries, improved benefits, and greater investment in the league’s infrastructure. With the WNBA’s financial limitations well-documented, the outcome of these talks could shape the future of the league and its ability to retain and compensate top talent.

The Broader Implications for the WNBA and Women’s Sports

Angel Reese’s comments have brought renewed attention to the systemic issues facing the WNBA and women’s sports as a whole. While the league has made strides in recent years, including increased viewership and sponsorship deals, playerscontinue to struggle with inadequate compensation. Reese’s advocacy, along with the support of her peers, highlights the growing movement for fair pay and greater recognition of women’s basketball. As the WNBA and its players navigate the upcoming CBA negotiations, the stakes are high—not just for the athletes but for the future of women’s sports. The outcome of these talks could set a precedent for other professional women’s leagues and inspire a new generation of athletes to fight for the compensation and respect they deserve.