Introduction
Angel Reese, a rising WNBA star and social media icon, has captured headlines once again—not for her basketball performance, but for a viral video where she allegedly said she made only “$1,400 a week.” The internet instantly buzzed with debates, confusion, and assumptions about her income. In this article, we break down the viral video, explore the context from her interview, and clarify whether the $1,400/week comment is real or misrepresented.
Who is Angel Reese?
Angel Reese is one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball. The former LSU standout, known as the “Bayou Barbie,” helped her team win the 2023 NCAA title and quickly transitioned to professional success with the Chicago Sky in the WNBA.
Born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, Reese has become a household name not only for her athleticism but also her charisma and branding. With millions of followers across social media and endorsement deals from brands like Reebok, Coach, and Amazon, Angel is more than an athlete—she’s a cultural phenomenon.
The Viral “$1,400 a Week” Video: What Happened?
A short clip circulated on social media in July 2025 showing Angel Reese casually saying something that shocked fans:
“I’m making, what—$1,400 a week?”
The video sparked instant controversy. People asked:
-
How can a star like Angel Reese be making so little?
-
Is this a sign of inequality in women’s sports?
-
Was she being sarcastic?
Let’s dive into the actual source.
Context from the Full Interview
The “$1,400 a week” comment came during an appearance on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, where Angel Reese joined to talk about her transition from college to the WNBA.
In the full conversation (which runs about 45 minutes), Angel spoke candidly about the pay disparity between men and women in professional sports, especially the WNBA. Here’s the real quote in context:
“People don’t realize—I’m playing because I love the game. I’m making what, $1,400 a week? I didn’t come here for the paycheck, I came here for the passion and the platform.”
This clarification changes everything. Rather than complaining, Reese was highlighting the financial challenges WNBA players face and using herself as an example to speak for many underpaid athletes.
Is the $1,400 a Week Claim Real?
Yes—and no. Let’s break this down:
✅ Accurate for Base Salary
Angel Reese is currently on a WNBA rookie contract. The base rookie salary for a player picked within the first four draft slots in 2024 was approximately $74,000 annually. If you divide that by the typical 20-week WNBA season, it averages about $3,700 per week gross pay.
However, WNBA players are paid bi-weekly, and after taxes, health deductions, and other fees, the take-home pay may indeed come close to $1,400–$2,000 per week—especially early in the contract.
❌ Misleading Without Context
Reese’s comment ignores one major factor: her NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and endorsement income, which vastly outweigh her WNBA earnings.
Angel Reese’s True Net Worth and Income Sources
As of mid-2025, Angel Reese’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $4 million, according to outlets like Forbes, On3 NIL, and Celebrity Net Worth.
Here’s how she makes her money:
Source | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|
WNBA Salary (Chicago Sky) | $74,000 annually |
NIL Deals (LSU to WNBA) | $1.7M+ per year |
Endorsements | $500,000+ per year |
Social Media Sponsorships | $5K–$20K per sponsored post |
YouTube & Appearances | $100K+ annually |
She’s signed with major brands like Reebok (with Shaquille O’Neal as her mentor), Coach, Amazon, and even Beats by Dre.
Social Media Reacts to the Comment
Once the “$1,400 a week” clip went viral, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok lit up with comments. Some fans were supportive, others critical, and many were just plain confused.
Supportive Comments:
-
“She’s highlighting the problem with women’s sports pay—good for her!”
-
“Even stars like Reese are underpaid. Sad but true.”
Critical Comments:
-
“She’s worth millions—$1,400 is just her WNBA salary.”
-
“She’s acting broke for sympathy.”
Reese’s Response:
Angel hasn’t directly addressed the backlash but has retweeted supportive messages and shared follow-up interviews that explain her point. It’s clear she stands by her statement—because it reflects the reality for many of her WNBA peers.
The WNBA Pay Gap: A Bigger Issue
Angel Reese’s viral moment opens a broader conversation about the WNBA pay structure. Here’s the harsh truth:
-
The average WNBA salary in 2025 is around $120,000, compared to $10+ million in the NBA.
-
Many players go overseas in the offseason to earn more.
-
Reese, Caitlin Clark, and others are changing the game by bringing in huge audiences, which may finally shift the league’s revenue.
Interview Highlights: Angel Reese on Passion vs. Pay
During her appearance on I AM ATHLETE, Angel dropped more gems:
🗣 On Her Passion:
“I could’ve skipped the WNBA and just lived off endorsements, but I want to inspire. I want to play.”
💬 On Female Athlete Struggles:
“People don’t realize how hard it is for us. We get criticism for being confident. We get paid less. But we still show up.”
🎯 On Her Future:
“I’m just getting started. Whether it’s basketball, fashion, or business—I’m building a legacy.”
This wasn’t just a paycheck complaint—it was a declaration of purpose.
Is the Comment Blown Out of Proportion?
Yes, in many ways.
When taken out of context, Reese’s “$1,400/week” sounds like a contradiction. But when viewed with the full quote and interview, it becomes clear: Angel was raising awareness, not seeking pity.
Her goal wasn’t to cry poor—it was to start a discussion. And judging by the headlines, she succeeded.
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
Angel’s rookie WNBA season is just beginning, and her impact is already enormous. Here’s what fans can expect:
-
On the court: Improved stats, more minutes, and chemistry with stars like Marina Mabrey and Kahleah Copper.
-
Off the court: Brand launches, fashion appearances, social justice advocacy, and possibly a media venture.
She’s already hinted at a documentary-style vlog series on YouTube and is rumored to be in talks for a book deal.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Paycheck
Angel Reese’s “$1,400 a week” comment wasn’t a misstep—it was a message. She spotlighted the inequality in professional sports while proving that success doesn’t always look like a big paycheck.
Reese is proof that athletes today aren’t just players—they’re entrepreneurs, voices for change, and role models. Her interview is a case study in how Gen Z athletes are reshaping the narrative.
FAQs
Q1. Did Angel Reese really say she only makes $1,400 a week?
Yes, but the comment referred to her WNBA salary, not her total income. It was also made in the context of a larger conversation about passion and inequality.
Q2. What is Angel Reese’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $3M–$4M, mostly from endorsements and NIL deals.
Q3. Why did her comment go viral?
It was clipped without context and shared on social media, sparking widespread debate.
Q4. Where can I watch the full interview?
The full interview is available on YouTube via the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast channel.