Angel Reese, one of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball, has sparked a heated debate over WNBA salaries. The LSU standout, who has been a dominant force on the court, made waves when she suggested she might “sit out” the WNBA due to its low rookie salary of $75,000 per year. Critics were quick to weigh in, accusing her of being entitled, but Reese responded with a defiant message: “As long as it takes.”

The controversy highlights a longstanding issue in women’s professional basketball. WNBA players have long been underpaid compared to their NBA counterparts, despite their growing influence and popularity. Reese’s statement has reignited discussions about fair pay and the financial challenges that many female athletes face.

Angel Reese’s Bold Stand

Reese has never been one to back down from controversy. The 6’3″ forward, known for her dominant rebounding and confident demeanor, has been vocal about the financial disparities between male and female athletes. When reports surfaced that WNBA rookies earn as little as $75,000 per year, Reese didn’t hold back her frustration.

“Why would I leave a situation where I’m making more in college through NIL deals just to struggle in the WNBA?” she questioned. Reese, like many top college athletes, benefits from lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which allow her to earn significantly more than a standard WNBA rookie salary.

Her words sparked a wave of reactions. Some fans and analysts supported her stance, arguing that female athletes deserve better compensation. Others criticized her, claiming that she should be grateful for the opportunity to play professionally. In response, Reese doubled down, stating that she is willing to sit out “as long as it takes” until the WNBA improves its salary structure.

The Pay Gap in the WNBA

The issue of low WNBA salaries is nothing new. Unlike the NBA, where even rookie contracts guarantee millions of dollars, the WNBA has historically struggled with financial constraints. The league’s current collective bargaining agreement sets the base salary for rookies at around $75,000, which pales in comparison to what NBA rookies earn.

For comparison, the NBA’s first overall pick in the draft can expect to make over $10 million in their first year, while a mid-first-round selection still earns multiple millions. Meanwhile, the WNBA’s highest-paid players make around $250,000 per year, significantly less than even the lowest-paid NBA players.

Many WNBA athletes supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason, where salaries can be much higher. Players like Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi have all played in international leagues to boost their earnings. However, this comes with risks, as seen in Griner’s well-documented legal troubles in Russia.

NIL Deals: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball

The introduction of NIL deals in college sports has changed the financial landscape for athletes like Angel Reese. Through sponsorships, endorsements, and social media partnerships, top college stars can now earn hundreds of thousands—or even millions—while still in school.

Reese has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of NIL. With her marketability, personality, and on-court dominance, she has secured deals with major brands, making her one of the highest-paid female college athletes. Reports suggest that her NIL earnings far exceed what she would make in the WNBA, leading to a legitimate question: why should she leave college for a pay cut?

Her stance is not unique. Other top female college players, including Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, are also earning substantial amounts through NIL and may hesitate to enter a league that pays significantly less. This trend could force the WNBA to rethink its salary structure to retain top talent.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Analysts

Reese’s comments have divided opinions. Some fans support her position, arguing that she is bringing attention to an important issue. They believe that top WNBA players should be compensated fairly, especially considering the growing popularity of women’s basketball.

On the other hand, critics have accused her of being ungrateful. Some argue that she should focus on the love of the game rather than financial incentives. Others point out that many WNBA legends played for far less and still paved the way for the league’s growth.

Former WNBA star Lisa Leslie weighed in on the debate, acknowledging the salary issue but also reminding young players that change takes time. “We all had to go through it. The WNBA is still growing, and it takes sacrifices to build something bigger,” Leslie stated.

Could Angel Reese Really Sit Out?

The big question remains: would Angel Reese actually sit out of the WNBA if salaries don’t improve? Some believe she is using her platform to pressure the league into change, while others think she could seriously delay her professional debut.

If she does sit out, she could continue to make money through NIL and potentially explore opportunities in overseas leagues. However, staying out of the WNBA for too long could impact her development and visibility as a professional player.

The WNBA, for its part, has yet to respond directly to Reese’s comments. However, league officials have acknowledged the challenges of increasing salaries without significantly boosting revenue.

The Future of WNBA Salaries

The growing popularity of women’s basketball suggests that change may be coming. The NCAA Women’s Tournament has drawn record-breaking viewership numbers, proving that there is a strong market for the sport. The WNBA is also seeing increased sponsorship deals and investment.

Many believe that if the league continues to grow, salaries will eventually rise. But for players like Angel Reese, waiting for gradual change might not be an option. Her public stance could serve as a catalyst for change, forcing the WNBA to accelerate its efforts to improve compensation.

Angel Reese’s willingness to challenge the status quo has once again made headlines. By threatening to sit out the WNBA over its low salaries, she has reignited a crucial conversation about pay equity in women’s sports.

Her defiant response—“As long as it takes”—shows that she is not backing down. Whether she ultimately enters the WNBA or chooses an alternative path, her influence is undeniable.

The basketball world will be watching closely to see how the WNBA responds and whether other players follow Reese’s lead in demanding better pay. One thing is clear: Angel Reese is not just a star on the court—she is a powerful voice for change.