Angel Reese Demands Pay Raise, Threatens WNBA Boycott Over $75K Rookie Salary

Angel Reese Threatens WNBA Boycott Over Pay Dispute

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has warned the WNBA that players may boycott games if their demands for better compensation aren’t met in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. The rookie, who signed a four-year, $324,383 contract, is set to earn just under $75,000 this season.

Reese voiced her frustrations on her Unapologetically Angel podcast, stating, “If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out.” She emphasized that players “deserve more,” especially as the league’s popularity soars amid record viewership and a new $2.2 billion TV deal with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBCU set to begin in 2026.

[Image: Angel Reese during a WNBA game, caption: Reese has become a vocal advocate for higher player salaries.]

Despite her on-court success—Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds in her debut season—the 2024 All-Star revealed her base salary doesn’t cover her $8,000 monthly rent. “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said on Instagram, adding that endorsement deals with Reebok, Beats by Dre, and the six-figure salary from the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league sustain her financially.

[Image: Reese in a Reebok ad campaign, caption: Endorsements supplement Reese’s WNBA income.]

The current CBA, expiring in October 2025, is being renegotiated amid player concerns that 2026 rookies could earn more than current stars like Reese and Caitlin Clark. Reese called this possibility “hurtful,” while teammate Dijonai Carrington confirmed the issue in league meetings.

As the WNBA’s revenue grows, Reese and others are pushing for a larger share. “I can’t wait for the new CBA,” she said, signaling a pivotal moment for the league’s future.

[Image: WNBA players huddling, caption: The 2026 CBA talks could reshape player earnings.]

Fans and analysts will watch closely as negotiations unfold, with Reese’s stance highlighting the growing call for equity in women’s sports.