In a stunning and emotionally charged moment that’s sending shockwaves across the sports world, WNBA rising star Angel Reese has publicly exposed what she calls the “ugly truth” about being a professional women’s basketball player in 2025: a base salary of $73,000 simply isn’t enough to survive. Her revelation, made during All-Star Weekend, has sparked a firestorm of debate, turning what should have been a celebration of the league’s top talent into a full-blown protest for better pay and respect.

“$73,000? That’s not even enough to cover my bills, let alone help my family,” Reese said during an emotional press conference. “We pour our hearts into this game. We train like Olympians. We travel like rockstars. But we’re getting paid like interns.”

All-Star Stage Becomes a Platform for Protest

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, held in Las Vegas, was expected to be a glitzy showcase of the league’s best athletes. But instead, the event took on a much more serious tone as Angel Reese used her platform to shine a light on what many have called the “chronic underpayment” of WNBA players.

During the player introductions, Reese and several other athletes subtly protested by wearing custom warm-up shirts that read: “73K Is Not Enough.” The message quickly spread across social media, with fans, celebrities, and even NBA stars chiming in to support the cause.

Later, in a post-game interview, Reese doubled down.

“This league can’t grow if we can’t even live. We’re tired of pretending that we’re okay with crumbs while people profit off our image, our brand, our talent.”

The Financial Reality for WNBA Players

The current WNBA base salary for rookies like Angel Reese is approximately $73,000—a figure that hasn’t seen significant growth in years despite surging popularity, record-breaking viewership, and growing sponsorship deals.

While some elite veterans earn six-figure salaries or receive endorsements to supplement their income, the majority of WNBA players struggle to make ends meet. Many are forced to play overseas during the offseason just to support themselves and their families—often risking injury and burnout in the process.

“We’re elite athletes. We should not have to fly coach, share hotel rooms, or take side jobs to survive,” said one anonymous player in solidarity with Reese’s statement.

Support from Fellow Athletes

Reese’s bold move has earned her praise and support from across the sports world. Fellow WNBA star A’ja Wilson tweeted,

“This is what leadership looks like. Proud of Angel for speaking her truth. We deserve better. Period.”

NBA players like Damian Lillard and Trae Young also chimed in, calling for the NBA and WNBA leadership to reexamine how revenue is distributed and how women athletes are treated.

“This ain’t right,” Lillard tweeted. “The league is growing. The pay should too.”

Even U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team legend Megan Rapinoe voiced her support, posting,

“We’ve been fighting this same fight for years. Stand tall, Angel. This is how change begins.”

The League’s Response

In response to the growing controversy, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a carefully worded statement:

“We recognize the concerns raised by our players and remain committed to ongoing conversations around compensation, benefits, and resources. The growth of the league is our top priority.”

But for many players, vague promises are no longer enough.

“We’ve had enough ‘conversations,’” Reese fired back. “It’s time for action.”

Fans Rally Behind #PayThePlayers

Within hours, the hashtag #PayThePlayers began trending nationwide. Fans flooded the WNBA’s social media pages with demands for change, calling out sponsors, owners, and the league office.

“I love this league, but how can you expect greatness when you don’t invest in your athletes?” one fan posted. “$73,000 is insulting.”

Several fan groups even pledged to boycott official WNBA merchandise until salary reform is implemented.

The Bigger Picture

Angel Reese’s fiery stand at the All-Star Game could be a pivotal moment in the fight for fair compensation in women’s sports. As the league continues to grow in popularity—thanks in large part to stars like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and others—the call for equitable treatment is growing louder.

Reese has proven that she’s not just a fierce competitor on the court, but a fearless voice off it. By speaking out, she’s sparked a movement that transcends basketball.

Final Thoughts

The glitz and glamour of the All-Star Game couldn’t mask the reality behind the scenes: WNBA players are tired of surviving—they want to thrive. Angel Reese’s bold declaration is more than just a viral soundbite—it’s a wake-up call.

And as the chant echoes louder across arenas and social media feeds alike, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about $73,000. It’s about respect, dignity, and the future of women’s basketball.