WNBA Pay Revolution: Angel Reese and Sophie Cunningham’s Rookie Contracts Spark Commissioner Backlash

The WNBA’s meteoric rise from niche league to cultural powerhouse has always hinged on one tantalizing question: when will the paychecks finally match the passion? As viewership shatters records and endorsement deals flow like championship champagne, whispers of inequality have grown louder, especially around rookie salaries that seem stuck in a time warp. Enter Angel Reese and Sophie Cunningham, two of the league’s brightest young stars, whose entry-level contracts have ignited a firestorm of debate, pulling even Commissioner Cathy Engelbert into the fray. Their stories reveal not just the grind of professional basketball, but a deeper curiosity about how the league might redefine fairness in women’s sports forever.

Angel Reese burst onto the scene like a force of nature. Drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in 2024, the former LSU phenom inked a standard rookie deal worth around $338,056 over four years, with a first-year salary hovering near $76,535. Yet Reese’s impact transcended numbers from day one. Her rebounding prowess—averaging double-doubles as a rookie—and her unapologetic flair turned her into a social media sensation, amassing millions of followers who tuned in not just for the dunks, but for the drama. Off the court, she partnered with brands like Coach and Hershey’s, raking in seven-figure endorsements that dwarfed her WNBA paycheck. It’s this disparity that fuels the intrigue: how does a player who single-handedly boosts jersey sales and ticket revenue scrape by on a fraction of what her male counterparts earn in the NBA? Reese herself addressed the elephant in the room during a post-game presser last season, saying, “I’m grateful for every opportunity, but let’s be real—the work we put in deserves more than just claps and likes. We’re building legacies here, and the league needs to build with us.” Her words, delivered with that signature Reese edge, cut through the noise, reminding fans that behind the highlights lies a fight for equity.

On the other side of the court stands Sophie Cunningham, the Phoenix Mercury’s sharpshooting guard whose journey adds another layer to this salary saga. Selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, Cunningham’s path to stability was anything but linear. She began on a training camp contract, essentially auditioning for her spot with no guaranteed pay, before securing a three-year deal in 2020 that escalated to a more substantial four-year extension in 2023, reportedly valued at over $400,000 annually by its peak. What makes Cunningham’s arc so compelling is her grit—undrafted buzz turned into All-Star contention, with her 2024 season featuring career-high threes and a fan-favorite personality that lights up arenas. Yet even as she mentors rookies, she hasn’t shied away from the contract conundrum. In a recent interview with league insiders, Cunningham reflected, “Coming in as a late-round pick taught me resilience, but no one should have to hustle that hard just to eat. These rookie deals? They’re a starting line, not a finish. We need the commissioner to push the tape forward.” Her candid take underscores a quiet revolution brewing among second-rounders, where talent often outpaces opportunity, leaving players to bootstrap their dreams.

At the heart of this whirlwind is WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, whose tenure has seen revenue triple since 2019, thanks to stars like Reese and Cunningham driving unprecedented engagement. But when pressed on rookie pay during a league summit last month, Engelbert didn’t dodge the heat. “We’re committed to evolving compensation structures that reflect our stars’ value,” she stated firmly, alluding to the new collective bargaining agreement set for 2025 negotiations. “Angel and Sophie’s contributions aren’t lost on us—they’re the blueprint for growth. Expect dynamic changes that reward innovation on and off the court.” Her assurance carries weight, especially as the league eyes a $2.2 billion media rights deal that could funnel millions into player pockets. Still, skeptics wonder: will these promises translate to tangible raises, or remain as elusive as a game-winning buzzer-beater?

This isn’t just about two players; it’s a snapshot of the WNBA’s bold pivot toward parity. Reese’s marketability and Cunningham’s tenacity highlight how rookies are reshaping the game, forcing the league to confront outdated models. As Engelbert’s vision unfolds, one can’t help but ponder the ripple effects—higher salaries could lure global talent, spike attendance, and cement the WNBA as the gold standard for women’s athletics. For now, fans devour every crossover, every interview, drawn by the raw authenticity of these athletes who play not for glory alone, but for a future where effort equals reward. In a sports world craving authenticity, Angel Reese and Sophie Cunningham aren’t just rookies—they’re the spark that might finally light the way to a more equitable dawn.