The Financial Struggle is Real for WNBA Players
Angel Reese, a talented rookie with the Chicago Sky, recently shed light on the harsh reality of being a professional women’s basketball player. Despite being an All-Star, her $73,439 salary barely scratches the surface of her living expenses.
Living Beyond Her Means
Reese revealed that her monthly rent payment alone is a staggering $8,000, which translates to $96,000 per year – more than she earns in a full season. Her WNBA salary isn’t even enough to cover her car note, let alone other basic necessities like food and housing. It’s no wonder she joked about “living beyond her means.”
Endorsement Deals: A Necessary Supplement
For Reese, her primary source of income comes from endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Reese’s chocolates. She views her WNBA earnings as a bonus, saying, “Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me.”
Seeking Alternative Income Streams
To supplement her income, Reese participates in Unrivaled, a new 3v3 league that takes place in Florida during the offseason. This allows her to earn extra cash and improve her skills without having to travel overseas, a common practice among WNBA players seeking higher pay.
A League in Progress
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledges that the league still has a long way to go in terms of catching up to men’s leagues in terms of revenue. However, she emphasizes that progress is being made, citing the league’s 28th season as a milestone.
The Pay Gap Persists
The financial disparity between the WNBA and NBA remains stark. While the highest-paid WNBA player, Jackie Young, earned just over $250,000 this season, the NBA’s salary leader, Steph Curry, raked in $51.9 million last year and will make $55.7 million this upcoming season.
Closing the Gap
As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that addressing the pay gap between men’s and women’s professional basketball will require sustained effort and creativity. For players like Angel Reese, the struggle is real, but with determination and perseverance, they’re working towards a brighter financial future.
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