The WNBA’s popularity is soaring, but a storm is brewing behind the scenes. With the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) up for renegotiation, players are making their voices heard. Two of the league’s biggest names — Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington — have even warned of a possible strike.
As Reese’s warning went viral on social media, she faced heavy criticism for comparing the WNBA to the NBA, where even minimum rookie contracts exceed the salaries of No. 1 picks in the WNBA. But the Chicago Sky forward isn’t backing down, insisting that players are ready to strike as long as it takes to secure better pay.
Angel Reese Fires Back at Critics, Ready to Strike for ‘As Long as It Takes’
The WNBA has seen major growth in recent years, with TV ratings reaching all-time highs — especially after the arrival of stars like Caitlin Clark and Reese.
The league recently signed an 11-year, $2.2 billion TV deal with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC, set to begin in 2026. But despite its success, WNBA salaries remain far lower than those of their male counterparts.
That’s why Reese and Carrington are pushing back. While speaking on “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese made it clear that players won’t settle for less.
“We deserve more … 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.
The 22-year-old is not only standing by her words despite the criticism — she’s doubling down on the demands.
“I love how y’all have selective hearing. I said ‘I’m hearing if they don’t give us what we want, we sitting out,’ and that’s the truth. I never said anything about the NBA. We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes… I will continue to use my voice to speak for what WE want & deserve as a league. Thank ya,” she wrote on X.
I love how yall have selective hearing. I said “I’m hearing if they don’t give us what we want, we sitting out” and that’s the truth. I never said anything about the NBA. We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes. Here’s the link to my podcast so… https://t.co/UQ7aHtUIXi
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 8, 2025
Last year, WNBA players opted out of their current CBA, which was originally set to expire in 2027. The current terms will remain in place through the 2025 season, but after that, everything is up for negotiation.
Reese is on a four-year, $324,383 rookie contract with a base salary of $75,000 and has been vocal about WNBA salary struggles. She even once claimed that her paycheck didn’t even cover her rent.
To put WNBA contracts in perspective, Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, signed a four-year, $57 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging $14.25 million per season. Meanwhile, WNBA No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark will earn just $338,056 over the course of her rookie contract.
In fact, an NBA player on a minimum deal for the 2024-25 season earns well over $1 million, meaning even a minimum NBA contract would match Clark’s annual WNBA salary in just six games.
While the NBA generates significantly more revenue, the WNBA has seen a massive rise in popularity over the past year, making the players’ push for higher salaries understandable. How negotiations unfold — and whether the league faces a work stoppage similar to those seen in the NBA — remains to be seen.