Angel Reese, a prominent WNBA player, has recently voiced strong opinions regarding ongoing discussions about player salaries and league conditions. On her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” Reese, alongside guest Dijonai Carrington, discussed the possibility of players striking if their demands for higher wages and better working conditions are not met. This conversation comes in the context of the WNBA opting out of its current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is now set to expire in October 2025, two years earlier than initially planned.
Reese’s stance has garnered support from other notable figures in women’s basketball. Napheesa Collier, a WNBA star and co-founder of the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, has publicly backed the push for higher salaries. Collier highlighted that average salaries in Unrivaled exceed $220,000, contrasting with the current WNBA minimum of $64,154. Players are advocating for a fairer revenue share, aiming for a structure similar to the NBA’s 50%, compared to the WNBA’s current 10%. The ongoing negotiations for a new CBA, set to be finalized by October 31, 2025, are expected to address these concerns, with hopes for significant pay raises by the 2026 season.
Amid these developments, Caitlin Clark, another leading figure in women’s basketball, has commented on the comparisons between the WNBA and NBA. Clark emphasized that it is unfair to compare the two leagues directly, acknowledging the growth of the WNBA and its potential for future development. Her remarks come amid criticism against Reese, who has been vocal about salary disputes and the possibility of a boycott. Clark’s agent, Erin Kane, echoed the need for significantly higher pay for players like Clark, expressing optimism about the CBA negotiations. The new agreement is set to be implemented in 2026, raising hopes for substantial pay increases for WNBA stars.
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