Angel Reese’s viral $1,400 meme vs her real salary: What you should know

Angel Reese found herself at the center of a viral internet storm when a meme claimed she earns just “$1,400 a week” as a WNBA player. While the meme left fans in stitches, it also reignited serious conversations around WNBA salaries, rookie contracts, and how women in sports really get paid.

Where Did the $1,400 Meme Come From?

The meme, which showed Reese in her Chicago Sky uniform with the caption “Making $1,400 a week to guard Breanna Stewart,” quickly caught fire online. Many took it seriously, assuming it reflected actual WNBA pay rates. The joke underscored broader public confusion about how players like Reese are compensated.

What Angel Reese Actually Makes in the WNBA

According to Spotrac, Angel Reese earns a base salary of $73,439 per year under her rookie deal with the Chicago Sky. That breaks down to about $1,400 weekly during the WNBA’s regular season, but she’s paid only during those months. The meme, while rooted in truth, lacked crucial context.

Endorsements Push Her Net Worth Into Millions

What the meme ignored is that Reese’s off-court earnings dwarf her league paycheck. The former LSU star has endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Amazon, Beats by Dre, and Raising Cane’s. Her NIL (name, image, likeness) earnings have reportedly brought her net worth to over $3 million, making her one of the highest-paid athletes in women’s sports outside of salary alone.

Public Reactions: Humor Meets Controversy

Social media exploded with laughter, confusion, and concern. While some fans played along, others criticized the WNBA’s low base pay for rookies. Reese herself leaned into the joke, reacting online with laughing emojis, showing she’s unbothered and fully aware of her value both on and off the court.

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Why This Meme Matters

The meme opened a wider conversation around the gender pay gap in professional sports. While WNBA salaries remain a fraction of NBA earnings, players like Angel Reese are building new financial models through social media, NIL deals, and sponsorships. They’re not just players, they’re brands.

Angel Reese Is More Than a Paycheck

Yes, Angel Reese might technically earn $1,400 a week during the season, but she’s also making millions through smart branding and market appeal. The meme was funny, but it also spotlighted a crucial truth: women athletes are rewriting the rules of how success is defined and monetized.