Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s breakout forward and one of the faces of the WNBA’s new era, is not one to hold her tongue. In a league that’s experiencing unprecedented growth and attention, Reese’s voice has become a rallying cry for change—and her latest comments have sent shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball.

During a recent episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Reese made headlines after firing back at critics who questioned her commitment to the league, especially in light of her $75,000 annual salary—a figure that stands in stark contrast to the millions earned by her male counterparts in the NBA. But Reese’s remarks went even further, hinting at a possible player strike and opening the door to a labor dispute that could reshape the future of the WNBA.

The Seeds of Discontent: A League on the Brink

The WNBA Player’s Association, in a bold move last October, opted out of its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league. The decision signaled that players were no longer willing to accept the status quo, and it raised the specter of a possible lockout or strike if negotiations for a new CBA failed.

For Reese, the issue is personal—and urgent. “I need to be in the [players’ union] meetings because I’m hearing that if [the league] don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” Reese said on her podcast, her tone equal parts frustration and determination.

Her guest, Dallas Wings star Dijonai Carrington, didn’t mince words either, agreeing that a player strike is a “possibility.” The message was clear: the players are united, and they’re prepared to fight for what they believe is fair.

The Boom That Changed Everything

This standoff comes at a time when the WNBA is riding a wave of popularity unlike anything it has seen in decades. The 2024 season shattered records, with 2,353,735 fans attending games—the highest total in 22 years. An average of 657,000 viewers tuned in to televised matchups, marking the biggest audience in nearly a quarter-century.

Much of this boom can be attributed to the arrival of superstar rookies like Angel Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Their electrifying play, charisma, and social media savvy have brought new fans to the league and transformed its cultural footprint.

The league’s new visibility paid off in July, when the WNBA announced an 11-year media rights deal with Disney, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC Universal worth over $2.2 billion. For the first time, the WNBA seemed poised to join the ranks of America’s most-watched sports leagues.

The Pay Gap: A Battle for Equity

But beneath the surface, simmering tensions remain. Despite the league’s newfound riches, WNBA players continue to earn a fraction of what their NBA counterparts take home. Reese’s $75,000 salary, while higher than the rookie minimum from previous years, is dwarfed by the multimillion-dollar contracts routinely signed in the NBA.

Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum has been among the most vocal advocates for change, calling for a revenue-sharing model similar to the NBA’s, where players and owners split league revenue 50-50. “It’s not just about salaries,” Plum said in an interview last fall. “It’s about respect, about recognizing the value we bring to the game and to the business.”

Revenue sharing, along with issues like pensions, child care, and family planning benefits, have become central to the players’ demands. The old CBA, which will remain in effect for the 2025 season, is increasingly seen as outdated and unfair by many in the league.

Reese’s Stand: More Than Just Money

Angel Reese’s willingness to speak out is emblematic of a new generation of WNBA stars who refuse to accept the limitations of the past. Her comments on Unapologetically Angel were not just about pay—they were about the value of women’s sports, the importance of solidarity, and the need for systemic change.

“I want to play in this league. I love this league,” Reese said. “But we have to stand together and demand what’s right. We’re bringing in fans, we’re bringing in money, and we deserve to be treated fairly.”

Her words have resonated far beyond the basketball court, sparking conversations among fans, pundits, and even lawmakers about gender equity in sports.

The Stakes: What Happens Next?

As the WNBA prepares for its 2025 season, the clock is ticking on negotiations for a new CBA. The league will operate under the old rules for now, but both sides know that time is running out.

A strike or lockout would be a devastating blow to the momentum the WNBA has built, potentially alienating fans and sponsors at a critical juncture. But for many players, the risk is worth it if it means achieving long-overdue progress.

“We don’t want to stop playing,” Carrington said. “But we can’t keep giving everything to this league and getting so little back.”

League officials have remained mostly silent on the possibility of a work stoppage, but sources say that negotiations have intensified behind the scenes. The hope is that the success of the past season—and the lucrative new media deal—will provide enough incentive for both sides to reach a fair agreement.

The Bigger Picture: A Fight for the Future

The WNBA’s labor dispute is about more than just basketball. It’s part of a larger movement for gender equity in sports, one that’s playing out in boardrooms, courtrooms, and arenas across the country.

From equal pay lawsuits in soccer to Title IX battles in college athletics, female athletes are demanding recognition and respect. The WNBA, with its growing fan base and cultural influence, is at the forefront of this fight.

For Angel Reese and her fellow players, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome of these negotiations will shape not only their careers, but the future of women’s basketball in America.

Angel Reese: Leading the Charge

As the season approaches, all eyes are on Reese and her generation of WNBA stars. Their willingness to speak out, challenge the system, and demand better has already changed the conversation—and could ultimately change the league itself.

“We’re not backing down,” Reese said as she wrapped up her podcast. “We know our worth. It’s time the league does, too.”

Whether the WNBA’s leadership will rise to meet the moment remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Angel Reese and her peers are ready to fight for their future—and they’re not afraid to make their voices heard.