Angel Reese, a prominent player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), has not only made waves on the court but is also establishing herself as a savvy businesswoman off of it. While Reese has become known for her standout performances with the Chicago Sky, she has recently taken center stage in discussions about her financial achievements. With multiple endorsement deals, business ventures, and a growing presence in the sports world, Reese’s net worth is steadily climbing, though recent comments from her suggest it’s significantly higher than initially reported.
At 22 years old, Reese is poised to be one of the most financially successful athletes of her generation. While some early estimates pegged her net worth at around $2 million, Reese quickly dismissed this figure, calling it “way off” during an appearance at ComplexCon in Las Vegas. Reese made it clear that she is on track to retire her mother, pay off her mortgage, and take care of her entire family, highlighting the success she has achieved far beyond her WNBA salary.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on May 6, 2002, in the United States, Angel Reese’s rise to prominence started long before she was drafted into the WNBA. Growing up, Reese was deeply immersed in basketball, thanks in part to the support of her family. Her natural talent and hard work paid off during her college years, where she earned recognition for her incredible skills on the court. Reese played for the LSU Tigers before making her way into professional basketball. Her college career laid the foundation for what would become an impressive professional journey in the WNBA.
Reese’s athletic prowess didn’t go unnoticed. She was ranked as one of the highest-earning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) athletes before even being drafted into the WNBA. This early financial success, which included partnerships with top brands, helped to set her up for a strong career both on and off the court.
WNBA Career and Salary
In 2024, Reese was drafted by the Chicago Sky, and her rookie season saw her earn $73,439, according to Sportrac. However, despite her success in the WNBA, Reese has made it clear that her basketball salary doesn’t even cover her monthly expenses, including her $8,000 rent. While the WNBA’s compensation for its players is often criticized for being lower than that of their male counterparts, Reese’s net worth comes from a variety of additional streams beyond just her basketball contract.
“I just hope y’all know, the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese stated on social media, further emphasizing the importance of her side ventures. “I don’t even think it pays one of my bills, literally.” This comment highlights the disparity between the revenue-generating potential of men’s and women’s sports, but it also sheds light on Reese’s ability to diversify her income sources, making her financial success about more than just basketball.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Angel Reese’s true financial potential lies in her business ventures and brand partnerships, which complement her basketball career and elevate her overall net worth. In addition to her basketball salary, Reese’s partnerships with high-profile brands have allowed her to build a growing financial empire.
One of the most notable endorsements Reese has is with Hershey’s Reese’s Pieces, the famous candy brand that shares her name. This lucrative deal has helped boost her financial standing and has introduced her to a wider audience beyond the basketball court. In addition to this, Reese has also secured a shoe deal with Reebok, which is a significant accomplishment in the sports world, particularly for a female athlete.
Her deal with Reebok includes not just standard endorsements but also the exciting opportunity for Reese to design her own signature shoe. This opportunity positions her as one of the few WNBA players to have their own signature sneaker, which could become a major source of income and brand recognition.
Reese also represents other major brands such as Beats by Dre and Good American, further cementing her status as a sought-after celebrity endorser. These deals, combined with her podcast Unapologetically Angel, contribute to her growing net worth, which she suggests is much higher than the estimated $2 million figure previously mentioned.
NIL Earnings and Influence
Before even joining the WNBA, Reese was one of the highest-earning NIL athletes, which allowed her to capitalize on her social media influence and growing popularity. This early success in monetizing her name, image, and likeness set the stage for her post-college financial success. The NIL program has allowed college athletes like Reese to earn money from endorsements and sponsorships, a game-changer for female athletes in particular.
Her NIL deals have been instrumental in building Reese’s brand, and she’s continued to expand her influence after her entry into the WNBA. As the visibility of women’s sports grows, athletes like Reese are at the forefront of breaking barriers and increasing the financial opportunities available to female athletes in professional basketball.
Family and Personal Life
Despite her busy career, Reese emphasizes the importance of family and maintaining a strong support system. As mentioned in her comments about her financial achievements, she is able to “soon retire my mom, I can pay off my mortgage, my family, everybody’s taken care of.” This sentiment reflects Reese’s commitment to supporting her family and making sure they share in her success. Her close-knit circle of family and friends has been a cornerstone of her success, as they have provided guidance and motivation throughout her journey.
Real Estate and Investments
Reese’s growing net worth has also allowed her to make significant real estate investments. She currently enjoys the fruits of her hard work through high-end living arrangements, which complement her rising financial profile. With her business ventures flourishing and her assets accumulating, Reese’s wealth is set to continue growing.
