Angel Reese Sets Internet On Fire After Admitting Her WNBA Salary Can’t Cover Her $8k Chicago Rent

Adulthood has a funny way of sneaking up on you, especially when it hits your wallet. If you thought budgeting was tough as a college student, wait until the real world throws its curveballs.

Remember the first time you looked at your paycheck and wondered, “Where did all my money go?” Suddenly, expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities gobble up your hard-earned cash, leaving you to question if you’ve really transitioned from the carefree days of youth to the responsibility-laden world of adulthood. 

If you’re lucky, you manage to stay ahead of the game, but for many, it's a steep learning curve full of unexpected lessons in budgeting and compromise. 

Most people quickly learn that managing finances isn’t about how much you earn but how well you handle what you have. Financial literacy is crucial. A six-figure salary sounds fantastic, but if you’re spending like a millionaire, the math simply won’t add up.

So, when WNBA star Angel Reese dropped the bombshell that her rent is a whopping $8,000 and her salary doesn’t cover it, many didn’t take it lightly. After all, it seemed like a classic case of Champagne tastes on a beer budget—and the internet was quick to share its thoughts.

Angel Reese speaks out on her WNBA paycheck woes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

With an estimated rookie salary of $74,000, Reese isn’t exactly scraping by, especially when you factor in lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Calvin Klein and Beats by Dre. Yet, the 22-year-old’s admission that she’s living beyond her means stirred a firestorm of opinions.

To manage financial struggles effectively, young athletes should consider practical budgeting strategies. Tim Ferriss, an entrepreneur and author, advocates for the 80/20 rule, which suggests focusing on the 20% of expenses that have the most significant impact.

By identifying and prioritizing these expenses, athletes can minimize unnecessary spending while maximizing their financial resources.

Ferriss emphasizes the importance of tracking spending habits regularly, as this awareness can lead to more informed financial decisions and improved overall financial health.

In a candid moment, she revealed the financial squeeze of her $8K rent and confessed to being forced to live beyond her means

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“The WNBA doesn’t pay my bills”: Angel Reese drops the truth bomb during her latest Instagram Live.

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Financial Realities for Athletes

Despite the glamour associated with professional sports, financial expert Suze Orman highlights that many athletes face significant monetary challenges, particularly in leagues like the WNBA where salaries are limited.

She emphasizes that understanding personal finance is crucial. Athletes should prioritize budgeting, saving, and investing wisely to ensure long-term security.

Orman suggests that engaging with a financial advisor can help athletes navigate their unique financial landscapes, ultimately leading to more sustainable financial practices.

Many were quick to criticize her financial choices, pointing out that budgeting and lifestyle adjustments are key to living within one’s income. “Then move... if the math doesn’t add up,” one commenter bluntly suggested. Others were less forgiving, saying her rent was her problem to fix, not anyone else’s.

Her rant unleashed a wave of backlash, with netizens saying it’s time she matched her lifestyle to her income. But thankfully, brand deals and ‘haters’ are there to fill in the financial gap—as seen in her tweet below.

Interestingly, the WNBA is gaining more attention now than ever before. This season saw a 170% increase in viewership, making it the most watched and attended season in two decades. 

Angel Reese admitted all that kept her going was the love of the game—definitely not the paycheck

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Not only that but digital consumption and merchandise sales skyrocketed, with a 601% increase over the previous season. 

Of course, Reese isn’t the first athlete to struggle with finances. And her situation highlights a larger conversation about the disparity between WNBA and NBA salaries. 

She isn’t just dominating the court; she’s making headlines off it

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On and off the court, Angel Reese stuns, but it’s her financial transparency that’s really turning heads

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Financial pressures aren’t exclusive to athletes; they resonate with many young adults. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a leading researcher in positive psychology, argues that cultivating a positive mindset can impact financial decision-making.

Her studies suggest that when individuals focus on gratitude and abundance, they tend to make more sound financial choices, reducing the likelihood of overspending.

By adopting a gratitude practice, young adults may find themselves more attuned to their financial health, leading to improved budgeting habits and reduced financial stress.

While NBA players rake in millions, the highest-paid WNBA player earns just over $250,000 a year. But even with a lower salary, Reese’s earnings from endorsements push her net worth close to $2 million—more than enough to cover her Chicago rent, critics argue.

Despite the financial pressures, Angel Reese made it clear that her passion for basketball is what truly drives her.

Angel Reese’s rent rant got the internet buzzing. And if these comments are anything to go by, the sympathy budget was definitely short

Maybe she should have chosen a more affordable apartment

"Don't live above your means, sis!"

The Importance of Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is essential for everyone, including professional athletes. According to financial educator Dave Ramsey, understanding how to manage money effectively is crucial to avoiding pitfalls.

He recommends athletes develop skills in budgeting and investing early in their careers to prevent financial issues later on. Ramsey advocates for creating a comprehensive financial plan that includes long-term savings and retirement goals.

Through workshops and educational resources, athletes can gain the knowledge necessary to build a secure future, despite immediate financial challenges.

Planning and budgeting is key if you want to survive as an adult

If the salary isn't enough to cover rent, maybe she should cut down on her expenses

Live in a place you can afford comfortably

Managing finances effectively can significantly alleviate stress for professional athletes like Angel Reese. Psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation in financial health.

According to her research, adopting a mindset of power and confidence can empower individuals to tackle their financial challenges head-on.

By practicing daily affirmations and visualization techniques, athletes can cultivate a stronger financial identity, ultimately leading to better decision-making and reduced anxiety surrounding money matters.

"Get a second job."

Good question

"Tell her to pick up a 9-5."

Building a Support Network

Building a robust support network is vital for athletes facing financial pressures. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman suggests that strong social connections can provide both emotional and practical support.

He notes that individuals who share their financial concerns with trusted friends or family tend to experience less stress and more effective problem-solving.

Gottman encourages athletes to seek mentorship opportunities within their communities, fostering relationships that can guide them through financial challenges while also enriching their personal lives.

She definitely knew the salary wouldn't cover the rent from the onset. Maybe she should havebigger contract

Reese’s story is a reminder that financial responsibility is part of the adulting package—whether you’re a pro athlete or not.

While endorsements may soften the blow of her modest WNBA salary, it’s the kind of headline that serves as a cautionary tale: no matter how much you earn, living beyond your means will always catch up with you. Welcome to adulthood, indeed.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

Athletes like Angel Reese illustrate the challenges many face regarding financial realities. As financial literacy becomes increasingly essential, experts like Michelle Singletary emphasize that understanding money management can empower individuals to secure their futures.

By integrating practical budgeting techniques, seeking mentorship, and fostering positive mindsets, athletes can navigate financial pressures more effectively. Ultimately, prioritizing financial education and emotional support can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and stability, ensuring that athletes thrive both on and off the field.