In a bold and candid revelation, Angel Reese, one of the most recognized names in women’s basketball, has expressed concerns about the WNBA’s current pay structure and conditions, hinting at a potential strike if the league does not meet the expectations set by players in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Reese, who has been a powerful advocate for gender equality and fair compensation, pointed out that if the league does not address players’ needs, a strike could be imminent.

This statement comes at a time when the WNBA is seeing increasing viewership, revenue, and attention, yet players like Reese remain dissatisfied with their earnings. While the league has come a long way, particularly in terms of growing its audience and attracting corporate sponsors, the salaries of players remain disproportionately low when compared to their counterparts in the NBA.

Angel Reese’s Statement on Collective Bargaining

In a recent podcast episode on “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese addressed the ongoing issues with the league and hinted at the possibility of a strike if the WNBA does not meet the demands of the players in the CBA. She expressed frustration over the lack of financial recognition for the players who are largely responsible for the league’s growing popularity.

“I need to be in the [players’ union] meetings because I’m hearing that if [the league] doesn’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” Reese said, acknowledging the growing unrest among players over pay disparity.

Reese, a standout player, raised concerns over the disparity between the WNBA and NBA salaries. Despite the growing prominence of women’s basketball, players in the WNBA continue to earn a fraction of what NBA players make, despite being at the forefront of popularizing the sport in their own right.

Players Are United in Their Demands

The conversation was echoed by DiJonai Carrington, a guard for the Dallas Wings, who was a guest on Reese’s podcast. Carrington agreed with Reese, affirming that sitting out is a real possibility if their demands are not addressed.

“Yeah, that’s a possibility. For real,” Carrington said, adding weight to Reese’s comments. The unity among players indicates a collective desire for a major overhaul of player compensation and working conditions.

The growing dissatisfaction with the league’s handling of its players is not isolated. Numerous players have voiced their concerns about not being compensated fairly, and it is becoming increasingly clear that if the CBA does not significantly improve the situation, players are willing to take drastic action to ensure their voices are heard.

Context of the Collective Bargaining Agreement

The WNBA’s CBA is a key point of contention. The current agreement, which was scheduled to run until 2027, was prematurely terminated when the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of the deal in October 2024. This means the existing agreement will conclude at the end of the 2025 season, paving the way for new negotiations to take place ahead of the 2026 season. The CBA negotiations will be crucial in determining the financial and professional future of the league.

The WNBPA’s decision to opt out of the CBA in 2024 reflects the growing frustration within the players’ union. With the league’s increased revenues, players feel that it is only fair they receive a larger share of the earnings. The WNBPA aims to address these concerns in the new CBA, and this has led to speculation about the possibility of a strike if the league does not meet players’ expectations.

Disparity in Pay: A Major Point of Contention

A central issue in these negotiations is the pay disparity between the WNBA and NBA players. The WNBA’s minimum salary for a veteran player with three years of experience is roughly $78,831 per year. In comparison, the minimum salary for an NBA player with the same years of experience is a staggering $1.1 million. The pay gap has been a long-standing issue, with many players expressing frustration that their hard work and dedication to the sport are not being fairly compensated.

Angel Reese, for example, will earn a base salary of just under $75,000 in the 2025 season as part of her four-year contract with the WNBA. However, Reese has been vocal about how difficult it is to live on this income, especially in high-cost areas. She has highlighted that her salary does not even cover basic living expenses like rent, which costs her $8,000 a month.

Reese’s comments highlight the economic strain that many WNBA players face, especially when they are often expected to perform at the highest levels while struggling financially. The situation has led some to consider playing overseas to supplement their income, but even this creates a difficult balance between competing in multiple leagues and maintaining physical and mental health.

The Financial Discrepancy: WNBA’s Revenue Growth

Despite the WNBA’s growth in terms of viewership, attendance, and sponsorship deals, players still feel undervalued. The league has seen impressive financial growth, with TV ratings surging and sponsorship deals multiplying. In fact, the WNBA has signed a landmark media rights deal worth $2.2 billion over the next 11 years, beginning in 2026. However, players are concerned that the financial success of the league is not being mirrored in their compensation.

Reese’s frustration is rooted in the fact that, despite playing at an elite level and contributing to the league’s increased popularity, the compensation does not reflect her efforts or the growing revenue the WNBA is generating. This is a common sentiment among many players, who are using the upcoming CBA negotiations to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources.

A Potential Strike: What’s at Stake?

As the CBA negotiations approach, the threat of a strike has never been more real. The WNBPA has made it clear that they are ready to take drastic action if the league does not meet their demands. A strike would be a significant move, especially as the WNBA is experiencing its most successful period in terms of media visibility and financial growth. However, players are determined to ensure that they receive a fair share of the league’s success.

A strike could have serious consequences for the WNBA, both in terms of its public image and its relationship with fans. Fans have shown overwhelming support for women’s sports, and it would be a blow to the league if players were forced to sit out the season. However, players like Reese argue that it is necessary to ensure the league is sustainable for future generations of women basketball players.

The Future of Women’s Basketball

The negotiations for the new CBA will be a defining moment for the future of the WNBA. How the league responds to the players’ concerns will determine the future of women’s professional basketball in the United States. Will the WNBA continue to grow, or will it face a setback if players decide to strike?

In the coming months, both sides will be working hard to come to an agreement. What is clear, however, is that the players are ready to stand up for their rights and demand better conditions, better pay, and a more secure future in professional basketball. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching consequences, not just for the WNBA, but for women’s sports as a whole.

The ball is now in the league’s court.