Angel Reese’s Decision to Skip WNBA Over Salary Sparks Outcry and Debate

The WNBA suffered a significant blow on Wednesday when Angel Reese, the dynamic 22-year-old forward and 2023 NCAA champion with the South Carolina Gamecocks, announced she will forgo her WNBA career due to the league’s “unlivable” salary structure.

In a bold and defiant statement, Reese revealed she has rejected a rookie contract worth $75,000 from the Las Vegas Aces, who hold her rights after selecting her with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Instead, she vowed to wait “as long as it takes” for a salary she deems fair, sparking immediate outrage and reigniting debates about player compensation, league sustainability, and the economic realities of women’s basketball.

Reese’s decision, shared via Instagram Live, was both emotional and unapologetic. “I’m not asking for millions—I’m asking for respect,” she said, her voice steady but impassioned. “$75,000 isn’t just below market value; it’s below a living wage.

I won’t compromise my worth or my future for a paycheck that barely covers rent.” The announcement has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, with players, fans, and advocates rallying to her side while others question the practicality of her stance.

The Aces, who had hoped to build around Reese as part of their youth movement, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the broader issues at play. “We respect Angel’s decision and understand the challenges players face,” said Aces general manager Kieffers Joseph.

“The WNBA is working hard to grow, but we recognize that salaries need to increase for the league to retain top talent.” The team has not ruled out trading Reese’s rights, though her refusal to play in the WNBA complicates any potential deals.

Reese’s contract offer, while standard for a late-first-round pick, highlights the stark financial realities of the WNBA. The league’s maximum salary is $232,000, a figure that pales in comparison to the millions earned by male athletes in the NBA and even some overseas women’s leagues.

For context, Reese could earn upward of $200,000 playing in Europe, where top players like Diana Taurasi and Jonquel Jones have historically supplemented their incomes. “If I can make more overseas while also gaining experience, why wouldn’t I?” Reese said. “I’m not turning my back on the WNBA—I’m asking it to meet me halfway.”

The backlash has been swift and multifaceted. Supporters have flooded social media with the hashtag #PayThePlayers, praising Reese for her courage and calling for systemic change. “Angel’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for every woman in this league,” tweeted New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu.

Others, however, have criticized her decision as naive, arguing that rejecting a guaranteed WNBA contract could jeopardize her career. “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” said former WNBA coach Sheryl Swoopes. “The WNBA is still the best platform for exposure. Angel might regret this.”

The controversy has also drawn attention to the WNBA’s salary cap and revenue-sharing model. While the league has seen growth in recent years, with viewership up 12% and sponsorship deals expanding, player salaries have not kept pace proportionally.

The WNBA Players Association (WNBAPAW) has long advocated for increased revenue sharing, particularly from merchandise sales and media rights. “This isn’t just about Angel—it’s about the system,” said WNBAPAW executive director Taja Young. “Players deserve a fair share of the pie.”

Reese’s stance has also raised questions about the viability of the WNBA’s financial structure. Critics argue that the league’s salary cap, designed to ensure competitive balance, inadvertently suppresses player earnings and drives talent overseas.

“If the WNBA can’t pay its players a living wage, it risks losing them to other opportunities,” said sports economist Dr. Kate Werner. “Angel’s decision is a symptom of a larger problem.”

For Reese, the personal stakes are high. By skipping the WNBA, she risks missing out on the league’s platform and the potential for endorsement deals tied to domestic play. However, she remains resolute.

“I’d rather wait and prove my worth than settle for less,” she said. “I believe in myself, and I believe in the future of women’s basketball. This isn’t a step back—it’s a step toward change.”

The situation has also sparked a broader conversation about the economic challenges faced by women athletes. Many WNBA players supplement their incomes by competing overseas, a grueling schedule that can lead to burnout and increased injury risk.

Reese’s decision to prioritize her financial well-being over immediate WNBA stardom reflects a growing movement among athletes to advocate for fair compensation. “We’re not just athletes—we’re businesswomen,” said Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson. “Angel’s doing what she has to do.”

Social media reactions have been polarized. While many fans have rallied behind Reese, others have questioned her timing and approach. “She’s entitled to her opinion, but turning down a guaranteed contract is risky,” tweeted one user.

Memes comparing her $75,000 offer to male athletes’ salaries have gone viral, as have clips of past WNBA stars discussing financial struggles.

The WNBA has yet to publicly respond to Reese’s comments, though sources indicate the league is aware of the growing pressure to address player compensation. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has long emphasized the WNBA’s commitment to growth, citing recent investments from Google and Baillie Gifford.

However, Reese’s decision underscores the urgency of the issue. “The league needs to act now,” said ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike. “Losing talent like Angel isn’t just a loss for the Aces—it’s a loss for the WNBA.”

As Reese prepares for her next move, the WNBA finds itself at a crossroads. Will the league heed the calls for higher salaries and better revenue sharing, or will it risk losing top talent to overseas leagues and public relations crises? The answer will shape not just Angel Reese’s future but the trajectory of women’s basketball itself.

In the end, this moment is more than a contract dispute—it’s a referendum on the value of women athletes. Angel Reese’s bold stance has forced a conversation that the WNBA can no longer ignore. Whether the league responds with reform or resistance, one truth remains undeniable: the fight for fair pay is far from over.