'My Dream Job Doesn’t Pay Me Enough': Angel Reese's WNBA Message Is Loud and Clear

Angel Reese’s Stardom

Reese has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. Despite the Chicago Sky’s struggles last season, finishing tied for the league’s worst record at 10–34, she led the WNBA in rebounds with 12.6 per game and earned her second All-Star nod.

However, her biggest financial wins have come outside the court. She became one of just six WNBA players to secure a signature shoe deal, launching the Angel Reese 1 with Reebok, which sold out in minutes. She also turned the viral “mebounds” meme into a six-figure merchandise line.

“So the mebounds, if you know you know, they tried to clown me for rebounds,” Reese said on her podcast. “And what did I do? I made a bag off of it. Six figures plus, thank you.”

Her rookie contract reportedly paid just over $74,000, meaning she made more from her merch than her actual WNBA paycheck. With millions of followers across social media, she’s leveraged her popularity into lucrative partnerships, something most male athletes never have to rely on for income.

Beyond her earnings, Reese has also faced criticism for her appearance and lifestyle. Known for her bold style and confidence, she has often been told to “focus on basketball” instead of makeup, fashion and social media.

“Just because I’m fine does not mean that I don’t take basketball serious,” she said in the return episode of “Unapologetically Angel.” “That little whole like, ‘get in the gym or get in the kitchen,’ it’s corny.”

Reese and fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington previously pushed back on those narratives, saying women athletes are unfairly judged whether they embrace femininity or not.

“They complain and say that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough. Now, we’re too much. Which is it?” Reese questioned.

Calls for Change in WNBA Pay

Reese isn’t alone in voicing frustrations. She joined other WNBA stars last season, including Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, in wearing black shirts reading “Pay Us What You Owe Us” before a game. It was a direct protest against the league’s pay scale, which still lags far behind men’s basketball.

While she continues to chase championships, Reese has been blunt about the league’s shortcomings. After a frustrating season with Chicago, she even hinted she might consider leaving if the franchise doesn’t add more talent.

“I won’t settle for the same [explicit] next year,” she said, later apologizing for her remarks.

At just 23, Reese has already built an empire that stretches beyond basketball. She starred in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s league, where she was named Defensive Player of the Year and helped her team win the first-ever championship.

Still, she doesn’t shy away from saying that her true passion remains the WNBA. But until the league closes the gap, she’s determined to keep building her brand alongside her game.