A viral meme claiming WNBA star Angel Reese said, “Y’all make $1,400 a week… I make $1,400 in 7 days” has ignited debate over WNBA pay equity. Despite being fictional, the meme’s number aligns disturbingly closely with Reese’s actual weekly earnings from her WNBA salary.
Angel Reese’s $1,400 Meme vs. Reality
The meme spread on TikTok, X, and Facebook, attributing a boastful quote to Reese—despite her never saying it. Ironically, Reese’s 2025 salary of $74,909, per Spotrac, translates to about $1,440 per week, nearly mirroring the meme’s figure.
Reese, drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Sky in 2024, signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $324,383, with annual payouts rising gradually to $93,636 in 2027.
@nicktok152 Don’t shorty know that’s the same thing. #nicktok152 #fyp #foryoupage#wnba #angelreese #sports
While her WNBA contract is modest, Reese’s annual income is far greater, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals. She has partnered with major brands such as Reebok, Amazon, Reese’s, Beats by Dre, Wingstop, and Xfinity. Her off-court ventures—including a podcast and business investments—contribute substantially to her estimated net worth, now ranging between $1.5 million and $2 million in 2025.
One report puts Reese’s net worth at $1.7 million, driven largely by sponsorships and NIL earnings that began in college.
Reese has been open about the financial strain of her WNBA paycheck. During her rookie season, she admitted that her salary didn’t even cover her $8,000 monthly rent in downtown Chicago, humorously saying she was “living beyond [her] means”.
A $50,000 bonus from winning the inaugural Unrivaled 3-on-3 league championship was likewise hailed by Reese as essential income—“more than half of my contract”—underscoring the disparity between her Compensation and cost of living.
Why Did the Meme Spread?
Although the meme was intended as satire, it touched on serious issues: WNBA salaries remain anchored near six figures for rookies, far below athlete market value and far behind NBA peers. Fans responded with both humor and outrage, pointing out the absurd gap between visibility and pay. One commentator noted: “Reese’s official 2025 WNBA salary clocks in at just $74,909, which breaks down to about $1,440 per week, remarkably close to the average American worker’s income”.
Reese has hinted at broader systemic issues, noting that WNBA players may opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations to press for better compensation. The current CBA is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season—and Reese suggested players are ready to demand salaries that reflect their contributions and visibility.
The meme’s resonance reflects ongoing frustration with the WNBA’s rookie pay structure. Reese’s openness about her rent, rookie salary, and reliance on bonus earnings fosters critical dialogue on league valuation. As talks continue over a new CBA, Reese’s visibility—and the meme that ironically underscored her financial reality—may help drive renewed urgency for pay reform.
