Imagine working tirelessly, pouring your heart and soul into your profession, only to realize your paycheck barely covers the essentials. That's the reality for many WNBA players, including Angel Reese, who once openly stated that her WNBA salary simply didn't pay her bills. But here's the twist: Angel Reese is now one of the highest-paid female athletes in 2025! How did she do it? The answer lies in her savvy business acumen off the court.
As AFROTECH™ has previously highlighted, Reese's journey began with humble roots. Before achieving stardom, she juggled high school classes with grueling basketball practices and shifts at Smashburger. "I used to be broke," she confessed, a stark contrast to her current financial standing. Then came the game-changer: the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, which took effect in 2021. This landmark decision opened the floodgates for college athletes to profit from their personal brands. And Angel Reese was ready.
She quickly capitalized on the opportunity, securing endorsement deals with major brands like Coach, Wingstop, McDonald's, Raising Cane's, and Reebok. These partnerships provided her with a level of financial security that was previously unattainable. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn't just about the money; it was about building a brand.
In 2024, Reese transitioned to the professional ranks, joining the Chicago Sky as the seventh overall pick. While this was a dream come true, the reality of WNBA salaries quickly set in. According to Spotrac, her four-year contract amounts to $324,383, with a base salary of $74,909. During a candid live stream in 2024, she didn't mince words: "The WNBA don't pay my bills at all. I don't even think that pays one of my bills. Literally." But here's where it gets controversial... Is it fair that a top-tier athlete's league salary is so disproportionate to their talent and marketability?
Reese's financial success story is largely driven by her strategic partnerships outside of the WNBA. These collaborations have significantly boosted her income and solidified her position as a prominent figure in the world of sports and fashion. Some of her key partnerships include:
- Juicy Couture: Aligning with a brand known for its iconic velour tracksuits.
- Gucci: Entering the high-fashion realm with the renowned Italian luxury brand.
- NBA 2K: Becoming a virtual presence in the popular basketball video game franchise.
- Shea Moisture: Partnering with a brand focused on hair and skincare products for women of color.
- Cash App: Collaborating with a leading mobile payment service.
- Reebok: This partnership has been particularly fruitful, with Reese signing a multi-year endorsement deal. Her signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, sold out within minutes of its initial launch in September, according to Sports Illustrated. The second release in October also sold out in just one day. And this is where the power of personal brand shines: People weren't just buying shoes, they were buying into Angel Reese.
Beyond endorsements, Reese has also ventured into other lucrative avenues. She joined Unrivaled, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 women's basketball league that guarantees its players a minimum six-figure salary. Front Office Sports reports that Unrivaled also offers its players an equity stake in the league, further incentivizing their participation. As Reese stated during a press conference, "Everybody got equity coming into this league, that's the most important thing…I know five years from now this thing is gonna be bigger than ever." It's a bold statement, but it reflects her confidence in the league's potential.
Furthermore, Reese has amplified her brand visibility through appearances at the Victoria's Secret fashion show and by gracing the cover of the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. These high-profile opportunities have undoubtedly contributed to her growing fame and marketability.
Forbes now reports that Angel Reese is ranked among the highest-paid female athletes in 2025, boasting an impressive $9.4 million in earnings. She secured the No. 15 spot on the list, which collectively saw the top 20 earners bring in a staggering $293 million in 2025. Coco Gauff claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year, with earnings of $33 million, according to AFROTECH™.
Angel Reese's journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and strategic brand building. She identified a gap in the market and capitalized on her unique talents and personality to create a thriving business empire. But it also raises important questions about the economic realities of professional women's sports. Is the current system sustainable? Should WNBA players rely so heavily on endorsements to make a living? What steps can be taken to ensure that these athletes are fairly compensated for their contributions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
