When Angel Reese recently shared that her WNBA salary barely covers her lifestyle expenses—let alone her rent—it hit me hard. Not because I’m a pro athlete (although I like to think I could have been), but because her story is one that so many women know all too well. How many times have we been in jobs where the pay didn’t reflect the time, effort, or talent we brought to the table? Whether in sports, corporate roles, or creative fields, many of us have experienced this gut-wrenching realization: the math ain’t mathing.
The Pay Gap: A Tale as Old as Time
The struggle Reese highlighted is, unfortunately, part of a much larger issue—the gender pay gap. Despite all the strides women have made in various fields, pay disparity remains a stubborn issue. And for seasoned women, it hits even harder. Many of us have spent years climbing the ladder only to reach a point where we realize that the men around us—doing the same job or even less—are being paid more. The WNBA’s pay disparity, where rookie salaries max out at $74,000 while NBA rookies earn millions, is just one example of a systemic problem.
What Angel Reese’s Story Reveals About Financial Trauma
Here’s the thing: financial stress isn’t just about dollars and cents. For many women, it digs deeper—it becomes financial trauma. It’s the constant anxiety of making ends meet, the guilt of splurging on yourself even when you deserve it, and the frustration of being underpaid despite working just as hard (if not harder). Reese’s candid admission—“That WNBA check don’t pay a thing”—isn’t just about her salary; it reflects the emotional weight many women carry when their work isn’t fairly compensated
The Double-Edged Sword of Success for Women
Angel Reese has endorsements and side hustles, but that’s another part of the problem, isn’t it? So many women have to work twice as hard just to keep up. Whether it’s balancing a side gig, managing a household, or picking up extra work to pay the bills, the burden falls disproportionately on us. And here’s where seasoned women especially feel the pinch: after years of grinding, we’re often left asking, “When do I get to rest?”
This Isn’t Just a Sports Issue—It’s an Everywoman Issue
Reese’s story isn’t unique to athletes; it mirrors the experiences of countless women across industries. We’ve all been there—being told to be “grateful” for opportunities that come without proper pay or being encouraged to “stick it out” for future rewards that never seem to arrive. And while love for our work may keep us going, love doesn’t pay the rent.
How We Can Advocate for Ourselves and Others
If Angel Reese’s story teaches us anything, it’s that we can’t stay silent about inequity. Whether it’s on the court, in the office, or in any field, it’s time to demand better. Here’s how we can take action:
- Speak Up About Pay
Transparency is key. Many women are uncomfortable discussing money, but sharing our experiences helps highlight pay gaps and holds employers accountable. - Support Women’s Work
Whether it’s attending WNBA games or buying from female-owned businesses, supporting women where it matters—financially—makes a real difference. - Prioritize Financial Wellness
Just like athletes need off-court strategies, we need financial plans that align with our goals. Seek resources, get help when needed, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your worth.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Demand More
Angel Reese’s salary experience sheds light on a larger truth: the fight for pay equity is far from over. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a woman navigating your second act, the reality remains the same—our contributions deserve recognition and fair compensation. And it’s time we stop accepting anything less.
Take Control of Your Financial Journey
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