As much as we’ve enjoyed the thrilling WNBA Finals competition between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, it also means the history-making 2024 WNBA season is coming to an end. For a lot of players, that means moving on to their offseason jobs. Yes, WNBA players typically have second jobs in the offseason, because the majority of players — the ones who aren’t stars — need the money.
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Superstar rookie Angel Reese can count herself lucky. Her celebrity status has led to multiple high profile endorsements, which means she doesn’t have to play overseas in the offseason if she doesn’t want to. During a recent IG Live session, she commented on the disappointing pay WNBA players receive.
“Hating pays my bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills,” she said. “Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at [in Chicago]. I’m gonna do the math real quick. I don’t even know my [WNBA] salary.”
According to Sports Illustrated, Reese’s base salary for her first year in the league is $73,439. This doesn’t include the $2,575 bonus for being an All-Star, or the $1,500 bonus for being recognized on the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Teams also pay for housing during the season, or offer a monthly stipend if players live somewhere else. However, anyone who’s ever watched a Chicago-based episode of “House Hunters” can tell you that it’s an steep city to live in.
“Yo, I’m living beyond my means!” Reese explained, “No, my rent is more than that. It’s $8,000. I’m living beyond my means.”
Low compensation for WNBA players has been a controversial topic for years. It reached a fever pitch when Brittney Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia while traveling to play with UMMC Ekaterinburg. With the league reaching novel heights of popularity, fans are hoping this will lead to increased pay and benefits for all players, and not just superstars.
“I wouldn’t even be able to eat a sandwich. I wouldn’t even be able to live,” Reese said.
The New York Liberty currently lead the Minnesota Lynx 2-1 in the 2024 WNBA Finals. The series continues with Game 3 on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN.
