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Reese has openly shared her thoughts on the stark contrast between her previous earnings and her current WNBA salary. She disclosed her annual salary of $74,000, stating that it barely covers her living expenses. The disparity is even more pronounced when considering her NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation while playing at LSU, which stood at an impressive $1.8 million thanks to deals with major brands such as Reebok, PlayStation, McDonald's, and Coach.
This income reality highlights a significant challenge for many athletes entering the league. Her rookie deal, valued at $324,000 over four years, continues to pose financial hurdles, with Reese humorously noting, “hating pays them bills, baby,” underscoring the tight financial constraints many female players face.