It’s January 17th, and Angel Reese is geared up to make her Unrivaled debut—a moment fans have been eagerly waiting for. But before stepping onto the court, the baller dropped some tea that had everyone talking. Yes, once a taboo discussion, now hits the headlines daily.

The rising star took to her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, where she teamed up with hoops legend Skylar Diggins-Smith for a candid conversation. While they covered a range of topics about the WNBA, Reese didn’t hold back when it came to the hot-button issue of player salaries under the league’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Sharing some locker room insight, Reese revealed, “They was already talking about it in the locker room, like, if we don’t get this, it’s quit. Like, we won’t get that. I’m new; I’m still learning.”

Following that, Diggins-Smith raised a few aspects that she intends to push forward, things that the new CBA structure should prioritize. “I feel like it starts with quality of life things, obviously pay, and then, you know, I’m going to say benefits for moms.”

For Angel Reese, this was her first taste of how serious these discussions are among players. As the conversation around fair pay and better working conditions heats up, Reese isn’t afraid to keep a spotlight on it. She pointed out how the new league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart—offering higher salaries—could put “a lot of pressure on the W too.”

USA Today via Reuters

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This isn’t Reese’s first time addressing W’s players’ financial struggles under the current CBA. Earning around $73,439 during her rookie season, she openly admitted that it wasn’t enough to cover her living expenses.

As she had put it, “I just hope y’all know, the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally,” After knowing the struggles of a game-changing rookie asset in the league, how could WNBPA remain silent?

After the Liberty’s thrilling overtime win against the Lynx in the WNBA Finals, the WNBPA decided to opt out of their current CBA terms. The move, made before the Nov 1 deadline, was driven by players demanding “a business model that reflects their ‘true’ value.”

The timing of this decision is crucial. If the union and the league fail to reach a new agreement by October 31, 2025—when the active CBA expires—the WNBA could face a lockout after the 2025 season.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert remains optimistic, stating, “With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come.”

The players are coming back to the table with some powerful leverage. The WNBA’s rising ratings, record attendance, and growing fanbase underscore the league’s potential. Add to that the 11-year broadcasting deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime worth $200 million annually, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

So, the big question remains: Will the players secure the deal they deserve, or will the WNBA face a standoff? What do you think?