The WNBA is facing mounting pressure from players as a storm of emotion and protest sweeps the league. Chicago Sky rookie and fan favorite Angel Reese delivered an emotional press conference Saturday, threatening to walk away from professional basketball if drastic changes aren’t made to address what she calls the “systemic undervaluing of women athletes.”
Reese’s powerful declaration came just hours after her former college rival, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, electrified Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a record-setting 31-point performance — her first breakout game in the WNBA.
But while Clark dazzled on the court, Reese delivered fireworks off it.
“I love this game, but I can’t keep sacrificing my body and mental health for a system that doesn’t value us,” said Reese, holding back tears. “We give everything, and still we’re treated like second-class athletes. This is bigger than just basketball — this is about fairness.”
Reese, who signed endorsement deals reportedly worth over $1 million even before entering the WNBA, pointed to the league’s revenue model as a core issue. Currently, WNBA players receive just 9.3% of total league revenue, compared to nearly 50% in the NBA.
“This isn’t just about me or Caitlin Clark,” Reese said. “It’s about every girl out there who dreams of being here one day. They deserve to know that their talent, time, and effort are worth just as much.”
Her comments follow months of growing discontent among WNBA players over salary disparities, subpar travel conditions, and a lack of investment in women’s sports. The WNBA Players Association has already opted out of its current collective bargaining agreement, signaling a possible strike before the 2026 season.
The disparity is especially jarring when compared to the attention and commercial impact brought by stars like Clark, whose presence has led to sold-out arenas, national television deals, and a massive spike in WNBA merchandise sales.
Clark, when asked about Reese’s comments postgame, offered her support: “Angel’s voice matters, and she’s right. We’re doing everything we can on the court — now it’s time for the league and sponsors to step up off the court.”
Reese’s threat of early retirement has lit a firestorm across social media and the sports world. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal voiced his support, saying on a recent podcast, “These women deserve their bag. They’re pulling numbers, filling stadiums — it’s time they get contracts to match.”
With pressure mounting from players, fans, and sponsors, the WNBA faces a critical juncture. Whether the league will respond with meaningful changes remains to be seen.
But if Saturday proved anything, it’s that women’s basketball is no longer willing to be sidelined.
