The WNBA is a league full of potential, yet still finding its footing in the sports world. Amid the struggles of balancing performance and financial growth, the spotlight has recently turned to Angel Reese, the LSU standout who became a household name during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Reese’s rise to fame, however, has been clouded by her recent comments about her rookie salary, leading to backlash from fans and experts alike.

Reese, who was selected by the WNBA’s Baltimore-based team, made headlines after revealing that her $74,000 rookie salary wasn’t enough to cover her living expenses in Chicago. In an Instagram live session, Reese boldly claimed, “The WNBA doesn’t even pay one of my bills,” hinting that she might even sit out of games if her salary isn’t increased. While many understood her desire for better pay, the timing of these comments, before she even took the court professionally, left fans and experts perplexed.

While it’s not uncommon for athletes to seek higher wages, the nature of Reese’s comments felt premature. She hasn’t yet played a regular-season game, and her performance in college was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also inconsistencies. In contrast, the players who have shaped the WNBA—such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings—have earned their respect through years of dedication, consistently delivering on the court, despite often being underpaid in comparison to their male counterparts in the NBA.

By comparison, Reese’s demands for higher pay before proving herself in the league have been perceived as a glaring misstep. As Patrick Bet-David, a prominent entrepreneur and commentator, pointed out, “You don’t ask for a raise from a business that’s losing money.” The WNBA, still in its infancy in terms of financial sustainability, isn’t in a position to meet the salary demands of players who haven’t delivered big results yet.

The WNBA’s annual revenue is still far behind that of major leagues like the NBA or NFL. While the NBA has billions in revenue and shares a portion of that with its female counterpart, the WNBA is largely subsidized by the NBA. With this financial backdrop, it becomes clear that salary increases in the WNBA cannot be granted based on early fame or potential. It’s a league that’s still fighting for wider viewership and stable revenue streams.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn Clark, another emerging star in women’s basketball, has gained attention for her incredible performances, without the drama. Clark, who led Iowa to the national championship game, has become the face of the future of women’s basketball. Her presence alone has filled arenas, attracted massive TV viewership, and generated excitement around women’s college basketball like never before.

Caitlyn Clark’s rise contrasts sharply with Angel Reese’s demands. While Reese is still learning to adjust to the professional game, Clark is already setting records, dropping deep three-pointers, and becoming a national phenomenon. Her play is earning her endorsements, sponsorships, and the respect of fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Clark, unlike Reese, hasn’t been vocal about her salary expectations. Instead, she has focused on her game, letting her performance speak for itself.

This difference in approach highlights what the WNBA truly needs right now: players who can fill the stands with their play, not their words. Caitlyn Clark, even before entering the professional league, has already become the reason people care about women’s basketball. She hasn’t relied on social media rants or complaints; she’s earned the right to demand more attention and recognition simply through her undeniable talent.

The core of the debate surrounding Angel Reese and her salary demands lies in the balance of entitlement and performance. There’s no denying that Reese has potential—she’s a talented player with a vibrant personality and the ability to make waves in the league. However, the WNBA is not a place where players can simply show up, complain, and expect a massive paycheck. As in any sport, respect and financial rewards must be earned through consistent performance, leadership, and dedication.

Caitlyn Clark serves as the model here. She’s proven that stars are made on the court, not through public demands for a bigger paycheck. For young players like Reese, the lesson is clear: the league can only pay you based on the impact you make on and off the court. Your value doesn’t come from your social media following or your potential; it comes from how you perform when the lights are brightest.

In the end, the WNBA, like any league, rewards players who draw in fans with their game, not their drama. So, if Angel Reese wants to see a bigger paycheck, she should focus on proving herself with her performance first. After all, in the pros, you don’t get paid for the noise; you get paid for the buckets.