Angel Reese Claps Back at $2M Net Worth Rumors: ‘Way Off’ While Building a Sports and Business Empire

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. During a live taping of “360 With Speedy” at ComplexCon on Nov. 16 in Las Vegas, the WNBA forward addressed the $2 million net worth figure associated with her online.

Angel
Photo via Instagram, @angelreese5

Speedy asked if it was accurate, and Reese flatly replied, “way off.” But she doesn’t say if the figure is more or less than she is worth.

Instead, Reese explained her financial philosophy, which prioritizes not just personal luxury she has been known to flex but collective upliftment.

“It’s not just a luxury for me; it’s a luxury for everybody around me. I can pay my mom’s mortgage, my family, everybody’s taken care of. I bring my friends here,” she said, adding, “Two of my friends, bring them on PJs [private jets] whenever. … They meet Beyoncé … Jay-Z. … All my friends eat. One thing about me, I have a really good circle around me.”

A Multifaceted Income Strategy

Despite her rising star, Reese has been candid about the financial limitations of the WNBA. Her salary for the 2024 season she said on an Instagram Live was $74,000—a figure that barely covers her $8,000 monthly rent.

“The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese stated bluntly. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. Literally.”

Reese actually makes $73,439 per year as a player, and her four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Sky is worth $324,383.

The low salary the women get in the WNBA has almost forced Reese into a more diversified income strategy centered around endorsements, licensing deals, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements.

By the time she left LSU, her NIL valuation was estimated at $1.8 million, thanks to partnerships with powerhouse brands like Beats by Dre, Tampax, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Her latest multi-year contract with Reebok, signed in October 2024, is particularly significant, as it includes her own signature shoe, scheduled for release in 2026, according to ESPN.

These deals are no small feat, especially in a landscape where athletes are increasingly required to be savvy marketers and negotiators. Reese revealed that while playing college basketball, she had to navigate her NIL opportunities carefully, as collective team deals didn’t always align with her individual brand value.

“That was another reason why I left college too. I couldn’t do certain things while I was in school,” she explained on her podcast with guest Dwyane Wade.

Managing Wealth Amid Growth

Reese’s rapid financial ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rapper and sports analyst Cam’ron offered a word of caution on his “It Is What It Is” show, warning Reese about potential financial mismanagement.

“Make sure you stay on top of these financial advisers, these accountants, these people taking care of your money because they’ll steal your [money] in the middle of the night,” he said.

Cam’ron also stressed the importance of long-term planning, “I’m pretty sure you have a lot of money coming in endorsements. Don’t take it for granted, and don’t sit here and think that it’s going to last forever ’cause you’re still young.”

This is a message that many athletes like Terrell Davis have shared with the public after experiencing hardship.

While her financial advisers are not publicly known, Reese seems to be being guided well. She’s consistently leveraged her platform to secure innovative deals.

In May 2024, Reese was announced as the newest co-owner of DC Power Football Club, a Washington, D.C.-based professional women’s soccer team preparing to debut in the USL Super League this summer.

In August 2024, she collaborated with Reese’s Puffs to launch the Angel X Reese’s Puffs cereal range, making her the first WNBA player to partner with the iconic brand. This move followed her debut as a podcast host under a platform spearheaded by Shaquille O’Neal, who also made her the face of Reebok Basketball.

Expanding Her Business Empire

Her latest ventures, including the signature shoe deal with Reebok and the Reese’s Pieces collaboration, reflect her focus on equity-based arrangements and licensing opportunities that provide long-term financial security.

The Reese’s Pieces deal is historic, as she is the first WNBA player to have such a deal.

Reese has also shown an interest in philanthropy, using her influence to share resources with teammates and support collective success.

In addition to hocking her own merch, she has a podcast deal with Shaquille O’Neal, who also signed her to the Reebok deal, Sportico reports.

At just 22, Reese is crafting a financial portfolio that combines sports, business, and cultural influence. While she dismissed net worth speculations during her “360 With Speedy” interview, her ability to negotiate, diversify, and innovate proves she’s playing the long game— and winning.

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