💥 Angel Reese Walks Away from the WNBA Over Salary Dispute: “$75K Is Not Enough for What I Bring”

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, Angel Reese, one of the sport’s most talked-about rising stars, has announced that she will not be playing in the WNBA this season — and possibly not for the foreseeable future.

The reason? Her rookie salary.

Reese, who was drafted in the 2024 WNBA Draft and was expected to be a cornerstone of the league’s future, rejected the standard rookie pay of approximately $75,000 per year, saying the amount is “simply not enough for what I bring to the table.”

“I know my worth,” Reese stated during an Instagram Live on Tuesday. “I’ve built my brand, my following, my game. I’ve put in the work. And I’m not going to settle for something that doesn’t reflect that.”

💸 A Star Worth More Than the Contract

Angel Reese, nicknamed the “Bayou Barbie,” became a household name after leading LSU to an NCAA championship and amassing millions of fans on social media. With a unique mix of swagger, skill, and media magnetism, Reese turned herself into one of the most marketable young athletes in America.

She has already earned seven figures through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, even before setting foot on a WNBA court. So when it came time to sign her rookie contract?

“You think I’m going to leave behind seven-figure opportunities for a $75K contract? No thank you,” she said bluntly.

⚠️ A WNBA Problem Bigger Than Reese

While some critics have called her decision “arrogant,” others say it’s a wake-up call for the WNBA and women’s sports as a whole. The disparity between the league’s pay structure and the growing commercial value of its stars is becoming harder to ignore.

Many rookies and even All-Stars in the WNBA earn less than $100K per year, while their NBA counterparts make millions—even as bench players. Though the league has made progress in collective bargaining and growing the brand, Reese’s exit points to an issue that’s far from resolved.

“The WNBA wants the visibility and the talent,” one former player tweeted. “But are they ready to actually pay for it?”

💬 Fans React: Divided But Loud

Social media exploded after Reese’s announcement.
Some praised her for standing her ground:

“Angel Reese is doing what so many women are afraid to: saying NO to being undervalued.”
– @HoopsQueen

Others, however, felt disappointed:

“She had a chance to elevate the game from within and chose to walk away.”
– @CourtSideTruth

The WNBA has yet to release an official statement on her remarks.

👀 What’s Next for Angel Reese?

According to sources close to her team, Reese is planning to continue building her personal brand, exploring opportunities in broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and overseas play — where top athletes can earn six to seven figures per season in countries like Turkey, Russia, and China.

“I’m not done playing ball,” she teased. “But I’ll do it on my own terms.”

🎯 A Defining Moment for Women’s Basketball?

Angel Reese’s stance may be a turning point in how young, market-savvy athletes navigate professional leagues. Her message is clear: fame, talent, and market value should be respected — and compensated accordingly.

Whether the WNBA listens or not could determine how many future stars follow in her footsteps… or walk away entirely.

One thing is clear: Angel Reese isn’t just betting on herself — she’s challenging an entire system to change.