Skip To...
Angel Reese just threw shade at the WNBA after beginning her career in the new 3×3 league, Unrivaled. In case you missed it, several WNBA superstars recently made the trip to Miami, Florida, to begin playing in a new competitive basketball league. Unrivaled, started by Briana Stewart and Napheesa Collier, consists of six teams and will take place from January to March. The player announcements, which began in the summer of 2024, caused excitement around the W, mainly because of the player perks.
The average player salary is $222,222, the highest in women’s team sports and the players receive equity stakes in the league. But it doesn’t stop there. Unrivaled players, including Angel, get access to luxury amenities, including personal chefs, apartments at no cost, parental care, rental cars, and more. There’s also a full-glam room, sponsored by Sephora, which, if you know Angel Reese, is a huge deal.
Without a doubt, the privileges that Unrivaled players are receiving are much better than what the W offers. (Angel Reese’s first-year salary with the Chicago Sky was just over $73,000.) And the players know that, too. On X, Angel posted about how much she enjoyed the new league while seemingly throwing shots at the WNBA. So, what did she have to say?
Angel Stuns in New Unrivaled Debut
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Angel praised Unrivaled for what they’re doing for players. “We get to workout, use the weight room, create new bonds/friendships, get treatment, get massages, use the sauna, getting 2 meals a day, and then a facial before I leave for the day???” Angel wrote. “Yeah, I love it here.” But the love didn’t stop there. In another post, she commended the league, saying she “could be here” forever. So, was she shading the WNBA?
Although Reese didn’t call out the league by name, it wouldn’t be the first time one the W’s players has spoken out about their benefits. In October 2024, WNBA players opted out of their CBA agreement, citing the historic change the league saw, largely in part to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. “This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” the WNBPA president said.
“Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.”
Reese Is Getting Better
After suiting up for the Rose Basketball Club on Friday, January 17, Reese excited fans with her progress. The baller snagged a double-double—which she’s known for—scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds to go along with four assists. “Seeing Angel Reese play with a true PG is UNREAL,” someone wrote. “ANGEL REESE STEPBACK JUMPER,” another commented, after seeing the 6’3″ big shoot over Collier. “Angel Reese is gonna be a menace next W season, this Unrivaled is gonna be so good for her game, you can already see it.”
