Angel Reese, drafted by the Chicago Sky, recently discussed her rookie salary in a candid interview with ESPN. The 22-year-old athlete emphasized that her primary motivation for playing basketball is her passion for the sport, rather than the financial rewards.
Reese‘s four-year contract with the Sky amounts to $343,000, supplemented by several lucrative endorsements. “People assumed I’d face a significant pay cut leaving college,” Reese remarked. “In reality, I wasn’t paid in college, so my WNBA salary feels like a bonus. Earning $75,000 for a few months of play, along with my endorsements, is a plus. I play because I genuinely love basketball.”
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Reese, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, elaborated on her endorsement deals, which include major brands like Raising Cane’s, Beats by Dre, Reebok, PlayStation, McDonald’s, and more. She highlighted that her brand partnerships have not only continued but grown since turning professional. “I love that brands want to work with us long-term,” she said. “The deals don’t stop in college. They’ve actually increased.”
Reese has adapted quickly to the WNBA
Since the WNBA season began, Reese has already made significant contributions to the Chicago Sky, helping secure victories against the New York Liberty and Dallas Wings. The team has also faced two losses, with their next game scheduled against the Seattle Storm on May 28.
Reese‘s statements and her performance on the court show her dedication to basketball and her growing influence both in the sport and through her commercial endorsements.
