Angel Reese Net Worth: Rising Star, Big Deals, and Bold Ambitions
Angel Reese has quickly become one of the most talked‑about names in women’s basketball. From dominating college play to breaking onto the professional scene with the Chicago Sky, Reese’s journey is not only a story of athletic prowess but also a masterclass in building a personal brand. But when it comes to her net worth, the conversation heats up.
Various sources estimate the Angel Reese net worth anywhere from $1.5 million to $2 million, yet Reese herself dismisses the lower figures, claiming the estimates are “way off.” Let’s take a deep dive into the numbers behind the “Bayou Barbie,” exploring her WNBA earnings, lucrative endorsement deals, and off‑court ventures that have helped shape her financial empire.
The Early Rise of a Basketball Phenom
Born on May 6, 2002, in Maryland, Angel Reese’s passion for basketball was evident from an early age. Growing up in a sports‑oriented family, Reese was immersed in the game—her mother, a former college standout, introduced her to the sport, while her father and even her brother shared similar athletic interests. This environment laid the foundation for a career that would soon catch national attention.
Reese first made waves during her high school career by leading her team to multiple championships and earning a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the country. Her decision to play college basketball first for Maryland and later transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU) turned out to be a masterstroke. At LSU, she not only helped her team win a national championship in 2023 but also set an NCAA record with 34 double‑doubles in a single season. This incredible on‑court performance earned her the nickname “Bayou Barbie” – a nod to both her Baton Rouge roots and her stylish flair.
Transition to the WNBA: Salary and Rookie Contract
Following her explosive college career, Angel Reese entered the 2024 WNBA Draft and was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky. Her rookie contract, worth approximately $324,383 over four years, is structured to provide a modest annual base salary that starts at around $73,439 and gradually increases to nearly $94,000 by 2027.
While these figures are in line with league minimums for rookies, they fall far short of what one might expect for a player with Reese’s potential and star power. During an Instagram Live session in October 2024, Reese candidly joked about her WNBA paycheck. “I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she quipped, referring to the fact that her $73,439 salary barely covers essential expenses like her $8,000 monthly rent for a luxury high‑rise in Chicago’s South Loop.
This remark resonated with many fans and sparked broader conversations about the financial challenges facing WNBA players. Even though her league salary is modest by professional athlete standards, Reese’s overall financial picture is anything but meager. Moreover, this salary has significantly added to the Angel Reese net worth over the years.
Beyond the Court: The Endorsement Empire
While her on‑court salary might seem limited, Angel Reese has tapped into an entirely different revenue stream—endorsements. Even before turning professional, Reese was one of the highest‑earning college athletes in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era, with her NIL valuation reportedly soaring to around $1.8 million. College deals set the stage for what would become a slew of multi‑million‑dollar endorsement partnerships.
Major Brand Deals and Sponsorships
Reese’s marketability is undeniable. Thanks to her explosive college success and magnetic personality, top brands have lined up to work with her. One of her most notable deals is with Reebok. In October 2023, Reese signed a multi‑year NIL deal with the iconic athletic apparel company—a historic signing made even more significant with the involvement of basketball legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson.
Under this deal, she is set to launch her own signature sneaker line in 2026, making her only the second WNBA player to ever receive a signature shoe from Reebok. But Reebok is just the tip of the iceberg. Reese’s endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with major brands such as:
- Hershey’s – Tapping into the coincidental connection with her last name, Reese collaborated on a “Reese’s Pieces” apparel collection.
- Amazon – Leveraging her online influence, Reese has secured deals with e‑commerce giant Amazon.
- Beats by Dre and Coach – These collaborations further cement her status as a style icon both on and off the court.
- Other brands such as Airbnb, PlayStation, Bose, Raising Cane’s, and even Cash App contribute to her growing income stream.
According to USA Today and other industry reports, Reese earned an estimated $1.7 million from sponsorship deals during her college years. Now, as she continues her professional career, these deals have only expanded in scope and value, adding a significant boost to the overall Angel Reese net worth.
Social Media and Media Ventures
Angel Reese’s influence is amplified by her robust social media presence. With over 4.8 million followers on Instagram and a similarly impressive following on TikTok, she leverages these platforms not only to connect with fans but also to secure additional sponsorships and business opportunities. Her engaging content—ranging from on‑court highlights to behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of her luxurious lifestyle—further elevates her profile, making her a magnet for brands seeking to tap into the WNBA’s growing audience.
Reese also hosts a popular podcast titled Unapologetically Angel , which debuted in September 2024. The show, featuring interviews with celebrities, athletes, and influential figures, adds yet another revenue stream to her portfolio. By diversifying her income sources, Reese ensures that her financial stability isn’t solely dependent on her WNBA salary.
Off‑Court Ventures and Investment Moves
In addition to endorsements and media ventures, Angel Reese has shown a keen business sense by exploring off‑court opportunities. Notably, she launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation in July 2023. The foundation is dedicated to empowering young girls through sports, education, and financial literacy—a mission that reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape her success.
Reese has also made savvy investment moves off the court. In May 2024, she became a part‑owner of DC Power Football Club, a professional women’s soccer team competing in the USL Super League. This investment not only diversifies her income but also positions her as a significant figure in the broader landscape of women’s sports, where athletes are increasingly taking ownership roles to help drive growth and equity.
Living Beyond the Means—A Candid Take on Finances
One of the most viral moments in Reese’s financial narrative came during an Instagram Live session, where she humorously pointed out that her WNBA paycheck isn’t nearly enough to cover her living expenses. With an $8,000 monthly rent for her upscale Chicago apartment, Reese’s lifestyle seems to exceed what her league salary can support. Yet, her off‑court income from endorsement deals and business ventures more than makes up for it.
Her remark—“I’m living beyond my means”—became a catchphrase among fans and sparked conversations about the economic realities of women’s sports. It underscores a broader issue in the WNBA: despite the league’s rising popularity and increased media exposure, player salaries remain a fraction of what male athletes earn. Reese’s comments have even contributed to calls for a better revenue split in the league, with WNBA players advocating for a larger share of total league income.
Angel Reese Net Worth Debate: What’s the Real Number?
Estimates of Angel Reese’s net worth have ranged from $1.5 million to $2 million. While sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Sportskeeda suggest figures in the lower range, other reports and Reese’s own comments imply that her true financial worth could be significantly higher. Given her explosive growth in endorsements, her burgeoning media presence, and her savvy investments, it’s clear that her earnings off the court are the real driver of her wealth.
Reese herself has been quick to challenge any lowball estimates of her net worth. During an appearance at ComplexCon, when a panelist mentioned a $2‑million figure, she shot down the claim, indicating that her financial success goes far beyond that number. Whether her net worth is $2 million or even higher is less important than the trajectory of her career. With her business acumen and relentless drive, Angel Reese is on track to join the ranks of billionaire athletes in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: Big Ambitions and a Bright Future
At only 22 years old, Angel Reese’s career is still in its early stages—but her ambitions are enormous. Alongside her on‑court performance, she has set her sights on becoming a trendsetter in both sports and business. Reese has spoken about her desire to join the “billionaire club” of athletes, a goal that seems well within reach given her current trajectory. With her diverse income streams—from WNBA earnings to multi‑million‑dollar endorsement deals and strategic investments—she is poised to redefine what it means to be a financially successful professional athlete in the women’s sports arena.
Her ability to leverage her NIL success, her social media influence, and her off‑court ventures paints a picture of an athlete who is not just focused on winning games, but also on building a lasting legacy. For fans and aspiring players alike, Angel Reese’s financial story is proof that success in sports isn’t solely defined by on‑court statistics, but also by the vision to build a brand that lasts a lifetime.
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