Angel Reese may be dominating on the basketball court, but she’s facing a financial battle off the court. The 22-year-old WNBA star recently opened up to her followers about the reality of her $8,000 monthly rent – and how her salary from the Chicago Sky doesn’t come close to covering her living expenses. In a refreshingly candid moment during an Instagram Live session reported by ESPN, she confessed, “I just hope y’all know the WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills, literally.”

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For someone earning around $73,439 a year from her WNBA salary, shelling out $8,000 a month for rent seems like quite the stretch – and Reese didn’t hesitate to call it out. Doing the math, her annual rent adds up to $96,000, well above her league earnings. No wonder she admitted, “I’m living beyond my means.”

But if the WNBA paycheck isn’t cutting it, how exactly is she affording such a luxury lifestyle? Reese didn’t shy away from that detail either. She explained that the real source of her financial comfort comes from endorsement deals and her booming social media presence. “I don’t even know my salary – 74 [thousand]?” she mused during the live session, clarifying that her basketball earnings are only a small part of her financial picture. According to Sky Star, Reese is also reported to be joining a new 3-on-3 women’s league called “Unrivaled” in January where the salary there is expected to be $250,000 for an eight-week season.

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Reese isn’t just a basketball star – she’s also a social media sensation with a massive following. As a student-athlete at LSU, she was one of the top college athletes in NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) earnings. At one point, her potential NIL value jumped to $876,000, placing her among the top earners in college sports, rivaling even Caitlin Clark, another WNBA star.

Thanks to these endorsement deals, Reese has partnered with major brands like Wingstop, McDonald’s, PlayStation, Amazon and Coach. With these sponsorships bringing in a cool $1.7 million in 2022 and 2023 alone, it’s no wonder she can afford to live in one of Chicago’s priciest high-rises. Her building has everything from stunning views of the Chicago skyline to top-tier amenities like a private basketball court, Pilates studio and even a spa.

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But even with her high-rise lifestyle and brand deals, Reese’s story sheds light on a bigger issue in women’s sports: the pay gap. While her social media fame and endorsements keep her afloat, not every player has the same opportunities. As Reese’s situation highlights, WNBA salaries simply don’t stack up against the NBA’s – and that’s something many in the sport hope to change as women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity.

In the meantime, Angel Reese is living proof that hustle doesn’t stop on the court. She’s managing her lavish lifestyle through savvy business moves and a strong social media presence – because, as she reminded everyone, the WNBA paycheck alone isn’t enough.

This story is updated to additional true projected revenue from new information received

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