The WNBA has seen unprecedented growth in the last year, with record-breaking TV ratings, ticket sales, and increased public interest. However, while some players are capitalizing on this momentum, others are struggling to back up their talk with performance.
One of the most controversial figures in this conversation is Angel Reese. After threatening a boycott over WNBA salaries, she has found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Not only did her demand for higher pay spark backlash, but her on-court struggles have only made the criticism worse.
The Boycott Threat That Shook the League
Angel Reese made headlines when she publicly suggested that WNBA players should sit out if they don’t get higher salaries.
“If they don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out.”
This bold statement came during a recent episode of her podcast, where she and fellow player DiJonai Carrington discussed their frustration with the league’s pay structure.
At first glance, this might seem like a reasonable demand—after all, WNBA salaries are significantly lower than NBA salaries. But the problem? Reese’s timing couldn’t have been worse.
While she was demanding more money, her on-court performances were declining. Instead of proving that she deserves superstar-level pay, Reese put up one of the worst shooting performances of her career—leading to a viral wave of criticism.
Angel Reese’s Bricklaying Clinic – A Disaster on the Court
Days after her boycott threat, Reese stepped onto the court in an Unrivaled League game—and what followed was nothing short of embarrassing.
She shot 5-for-13 from the field (38%) Missed multiple layups—shots she should be making with ease One of her shots hit the bottom of the backboard Struggled to finish at the rim despite her size advantage
For a player who prides herself on dominating in the paint, this was a brutal reality check.
The timing of this poor performance—right after demanding more money—led to fans and analysts roasting her on social media.
“You can’t threaten to sit out when you’re out here missing layups.” “WNBA players deserve more money, but you gotta earn it on the court.” “Reese needs to spend less time talking and more time practicing free throws.”
The WNBA is a business, and when someone demands a raise, they need to back it up with results. Right now, Reese’s numbers aren’t making the case for her.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark is Dominating
While Reese is struggling, Caitlin Clark is thriving.
She’s leading all WNBA rookies in scoring and assists Her games are selling out arenas across the country Her jersey is the top-selling WNBA jersey of all time She’s winning over fans with her elite shooting and passing
Clark isn’t just getting attention—she’s proving, night after night, that she deserves it.
The contrast between the two players is impossible to ignore. While Clark is breaking records, Reese is missing layups and making excuses.
The WNBA Salary Debate – Do Players Like Reese Deserve More?
The WNBA’s salary debate is complicated.
Yes, WNBA players deserve higher salaries. But how much should they get? And more importantly, who should be getting paid the most?
Let’s break it down:
Reese’s rookie contract pays her about $73,000 per year Her entire 4-year deal is worth around $325,000 She recently revealed that her rent is $8,000 per month ($96,000 per year)
So yes, she’s not making millions from her WNBA salary—but that’s not the full picture.
Reese makes millions from endorsements—she’s partnered with brands like Reebok, ZOA Energy, and Beats by Dre. In fact, she’s one of the highest-paid NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) athletes ever.
So when Reese complains about pay, it rubs fans the wrong way—because many see her as someone who is already financially secure compared to other WNBA players.
Why Reese’s Boycott Talk Backfired
There are a few key reasons why Reese’s boycott threat didn’t land well with fans and analysts:
She’s not playing at a superstar level She’s already making millions from endorsements Her attitude comes off as entitled rather than solution-oriented She doesn’t seem to understand how WNBA contracts work
For example, Reese complained that future rookies will make more than her, saying:
“The rookies coming in after us are gonna get paid more than we did.”
But that’s how collective bargaining agreements work. Every new CBA raises salaries, meaning that rookies in 2026 or 2027 will likely earn more than those from 2024.
This isn’t unique to the WNBA—it happens in every professional sports league.
Instead of focusing on improving her game and earning her next contract, Reese is complaining about things she can’t control.
How This Hurts Reese’s Future
Angel Reese still has a chance to turn things around—but she’s running out of time.
If she wants to be taken seriously, she needs to:
Improve her finishing at the rim Focus on basketball, not off-court drama Prove she can lead a winning team Let her play do the talking instead of making controversial statements
The WNBA is more competitive than ever, and if Reese doesn’t adapt and improve, she risks being left behind.
Right now, Caitlin Clark is elevating the league—and Reese is watching from the sidelines.
Final Thoughts – Reese Needs to Stop Talking and Start Playing
The WNBA is at a turning point.
Caitlin Clark is taking the league to new heights. Players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are leading championship contenders. Angel Reese is at risk of falling into irrelevance.
Reese needs to prove she belongs in the conversation with the league’s best players.
Her boycott threats and social media antics won’t get her paid—winning games and performing at a high level will.
If Reese wants more money, she needs to earn it.
Because right now, she’s falling behind—and the WNBA won’t wait for her to catch up.
