Angel Reese’s recent revelation about her WNBA salary not covering her $8,000 monthly rent in Chicago prompted debate among fans and financial experts alike. While some criticized the Chicago Sky player for “living beyond her means,” Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and “Shark Tank” investor, says Reese’s situation could be far worse.
A Good Deal?
“$8,000 a month in Chicago? She’s lucky she gets a kitchen for that price,” Corcoran said to TMZ Sports recently. “Thank God she’s not in New York. Here, she’d be paying $12,000 for the same apartment. So, it could be worse.”
As of October 2024, the average rent in Chicago is $1,847 per month, which is 19% higher than the national average. The average rent in Chicago Loop is: $2,067 for a studio, $2,504 for one bedroom, $3,624 for two bedrooms, and $5,497 for three bedrooms.
Earlier this month, during an Instagram Live Reese remarked her $73,439 WNBA salary did not cover her rent struck. And the comment stuck a nerve online, with supporters pointing out that her additional income streams — such as her estimated $1.7 million in annual endorsements with brands like PlayStation, McDonald’s, Amazon, and Reebok–more than paid her bills. But others bashed the baller for wasting money on a high-rise luxury rental in Chicago’s South Loop.
But Corcoran made no judgements about the financial decision Reese, who just inked a multi-year contract with Reebok, which will also feature her own signature shoe, has made. But the New York real estate mogul did offer says she hoped Reese would buy before next year.
Beyond the court, Reese is also branching into media with her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” where she chats with celebrities. A recent conversation with Shaq has stirred up some controversy. On the Oct. 24 episode, Shaq, 52, suggested Reese, 22, start dunking a basketball in a pair of “little shorts” to help increase the popularity of the WNBA.
While saying lowered rims could impact the WNBA, O’Neal, who had been sort of a father figure for Reese, said, “Imagine you in the same little shorts you had on at the Wild ‘N Out show dunking,” referring to a pair of shorts Reese donned while making a cameo at the Wild ‘N Out Live Tour’s Chicago stop.
Reese, seeming slightly embarrassed, laughed uncomfortably and said, “Oh my god.”
