“Whatever it Takes” Angel Reese Fires Warning to WNBA Owners Amid CBA Negotiations

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has joined the rest of the players in their fight to receive a deserved share of the revenue.


“Whatever it Takes” Angel Reese Fires Warning to WNBA Owners Amid CBA Negotiations

Angel Reese will push league to give players what they deserve (Image via FirstSportz)

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The WNBA is heading into a crucial phase where its players and the owners have still not come to an agreement over the particulars of the next Collective Bargaining Agreement. Angel Reese and her fellow players want the league to pay them what they deserve.

As per the last CBA that came into existence in 2020, the players get 9.3% of the revenue. That is a stark contrast from the 50% the NBA gives its players. The women have been constantly asking for a greater share, but the paltry revenue in the past did not help matters.

The league as a whole was losing $10 million a year before the chartered flights were sanctioned last season. With private flights, that loss has grown to $40 a year. Players are aware of it, but are also aware that the league will receive more than $200 million starting next year from partner networks.

That instantly gives the W a $150-160 million profit. Add ticket and merchandise sales, and the number should be a lot higher. Angel Reese, while speaking with ESPN’s Elle Duncan, reiterated that the players have to get their due of that new money.

The revenue shares, that’s really important for us. We deserve it. I know we’re not letting up. I know we’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we deserve.

Angel Reese said

The Chicago Sky star believes the players are the ones responsible for networks, brands, and fans to pour their money into the league. Therefore, it is only right that the league compensates the players accordingly.

Angel Reese is in a position to help push negotiations

Before coming into the league, many expressed doubts about Angel Reese‘s ability to be successful in the WNBA. They felt other than her fan following, she might struggle to make a mark in the league.

Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers wearing the 'pay us' t-shirts
Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers wearing the ‘pay us’ t-shirts (Image via Open Source/X)

So far, those theories have been thrown out of the window. The LSU star has broken records and continues to become a better player with every passing day.

Along with her excellent PR work off the court, she has combined those two to become the most followed women’s basketball player on the planet. That has helped her sign endorsement deals with some of the biggest brands in the country.

Earlier, even if such brands had associated with the league, it would have been nothing worthwhile. With Reese, they have launched products that fans can get their hands on off the shelf. That is a major step for a women’s basketball player.

She knows all of this has helped her reach a level where her voice matters. The 23-year-old can use her experiences and help push negotiations to the point where owners agree to a greater share of revenue.

Cam Newton talks NIL with Angel Reese

Angel Reese experienced money before she arrived in the WNBA. She was one of the highest-paid college athletes as brands lined up to hand her NIL deals. While speaking with former NFL MVP Cam Newton, she asked what he would have liked to have during his time in college.

I’m just mad they didn’t have NIL when I was around. It’s not about the deal, is how much you paying.

Cam Newton replied

Hearing this, the Chicago Sky forward reiterated that ‘all money is not good money. Newton agreed to this, as not being careful with deals can lead to disastrous results. Some of those wrong deals could come back to haunt the athlete.

Thankfully, for Reese, she has Shaquille O’Neal in her corner. He advises her on business matters and has had a major hand in helping her net worth increase multifold. Having a good sounding board is necessary, and Angel Reese made sure she had that first.

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