Angel Reese WNBA Salary Increase: New CBA Details

Angel Reese's name is trending across sports media in April 2026 — and for good reason. The Chicago Sky star, who became one of the WNBA's most recognizable faces since entering the league in 2023, is about to see her basketball salary jump by more than 350 percent. Thanks to a landmark new collective bargaining agreement signed between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association on March 20, 2026, Reese and her peers are finally being paid closer to what their talent and marketability demand. With the 2026 free agency designation period officially kicking off this week, here's everything you need to know about Angel Reese, the historic pay raises, and what this means for the future of women's basketball.

Angel Reese's Salary Is Getting a Massive Boost

For years, the glaring gap between WNBA salaries and those in other major professional sports leagues was a source of frustration for players and fans alike. Angel Reese, one of the league's brightest young stars, earned just $75,000 in the 2025 season — a figure that shocked many given her cultural impact, jersey sales, and social media following in the millions.

Under the new CBA, Reese's salary will rise to $350,000 — a dramatic increase that still only scratches the surface of her true market value. According to Newsweek, Reese is among a group of marquee WNBA players set to receive significant salary bumps under the terms of the new agreement, which has been widely celebrated as a turning point for the league.

This increase isn't just a win for Reese personally — it reflects a broader recognition that WNBA players, who have long supplemented their incomes by playing overseas during the offseason, deserve salaries that allow them to focus fully on their careers in the United States.

The New CBA: A Historic Deal for Women's Basketball

The collective bargaining agreement signed on March 20, 2026 represents the most transformative labor deal in WNBA history. After months of contentious negotiations between the league and the WNBA Players Association, both sides reached a term sheet agreement that fundamentally reshapes the financial landscape of women's professional basketball — just ahead of the league's landmark 30th season.

Here are the headline numbers from the new deal:

• The 2026 salary cap jumps from $1.5 million to $7 million — a more than four-fold increase
• The average player salary will be approximately $600,000, up significantly from prior levels
• The supermax salary starts at $1.4 million, compared to just $249,244 previously
• Free agency designation periods begin Monday and Tuesday, with official signings starting Saturday

The salary cap increase in particular sends a powerful message: the WNBA is investing in its players in a way it never has before. The timing couldn't be better, with the league riding a historic wave of popularity driven in large part by high-profile rookies, rivalries, and record-breaking viewership numbers.

How Angel Reese Compares to Other WNBA Stars Under the New Deal

Angel Reese's $350,000 salary is a significant raise, but some of her peers will be earning even more under the new structure. Here's how the numbers stack up across the league's most prominent young players:

• Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever): From $85,000 to $528,000
• Paige Bueckers (incoming rookie): From $80,000 to $500,000
• Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks): From $85,000 to $493,000
• Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): From $75,000 to $350,000

The disparities in these numbers reflect tiered salary structures based on draft position and designated player status rather than on-court performance alone. Notably, the new CBA includes an EPIC provision — a performance-based pathway that could make Clark max-eligible as early as 2027 and Bueckers by 2028, opening the door to even higher earnings for players who meet specific benchmarks.

Reese's path to a max-level salary will depend on her performance and any future CBA provisions, but her trajectory since being drafted suggests she won't be far behind her peers for long.

Angel Reese Beyond the Court: Family, Teammates, and Culture

While salary news dominates the headlines, Angel Reese's influence extends well beyond contract numbers. She has consistently used her platform to elevate the people around her, and April 2026 has been no different.

Earlier this week, Reese made headlines when she publicly praised her brother, Julian Reese, following his strong performance for the Washington Wizards despite the team's loss. MSN Sports reported on her heartfelt public acknowledgment of Julian's effort, a moment that resonated with fans who have followed both siblings' rise through professional basketball simultaneously.

Reese also made waves when former South Carolina standout Raven Johnson announced her farewell to the Gamecocks. Reese — who famously battled Johnson and the Gamecocks during her LSU days — responded publicly to Johnson's message, showing the deep bonds that form even between competitors in women's college basketball. MSN covered the exchange, which reminded fans of the tight-knit community that defines the sport at every level.

These moments illustrate why Angel Reese is more than an athlete — she's a cultural connector who bridges the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball worlds in a way very few players ever have.

What the WNBA's 30th Season Means for the League's Future

The 2026 WNBA season arrives at a pivotal moment. The league is celebrating its 30th year while simultaneously undergoing its most dramatic transformation yet. The combination of record viewership in recent seasons, explosive growth in merchandise and sponsorship, and now a landmark CBA sets the stage for a new era.

The salary increases are expected to have several ripple effects:

• Player retention: Stars will no longer feel financially compelled to play overseas during the offseason, reducing injury risk and improving player availability
• Talent attraction: Higher salaries make the WNBA a more competitive destination for elite players who previously prioritized European leagues
• Fan investment: When players are paid fairly, it deepens the emotional contract between athletes and their supporters
• Media value: Better-compensated players who aren't worn down by year-round travel will likely perform at higher levels, elevating the on-court product

For Angel Reese specifically, staying stateside and focusing entirely on her Chicago Sky development could unlock a new level of performance — one that her raw talent has long promised but offseason travel disruptions have occasionally constrained.

Angel Reese Merchandise and Fan Gear

With Reese's profile continuing to rise, demand for her merchandise has never been higher. Fans looking to rep the Chicago Sky star have plenty of options. You can find Angel Reese jerseys and Angel Reese WNBA shirts to show your support. For the dedicated collector, Angel Reese trading cards have become increasingly sought after, while Chicago Sky gear lets fans celebrate the whole team as they head into an exciting new season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Reese and the WNBA CBA

How much will Angel Reese make in the 2026 WNBA season?

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, Angel Reese's salary will increase from $75,000 to $350,000 for the 2026 WNBA season. This represents more than a 350 percent raise, reflecting the league's broader commitment to increasing player compensation under the new CBA signed on March 20, 2026.

When was the new WNBA CBA signed?

The WNBA and the WNBA Players Association signed the new collective bargaining agreement term sheet on March 20, 2026, ending a period of contentious negotiations. The deal takes effect for the 2026 season, which coincides with the league's 30th anniversary.

Will Caitlin Clark make more than Angel Reese under the new deal?

Yes. Under the 2026 salary structure, Caitlin Clark's salary will rise to $528,000, compared to Angel Reese's $350,000. The differences reflect draft position tiers and designated player status built into the CBA. However, both represent massive increases from their previous salaries of $85,000 and $75,000, respectively.

What is the EPIC provision in the new WNBA CBA?

The EPIC (Extraordinary Performance Incentive Clause) provision is a performance-based pathway in the new CBA that allows players to become eligible for maximum-level salaries based on on-court achievements. Under this provision, Caitlin Clark could become max-eligible as early as 2027, and Paige Bueckers by 2028.

When does 2026 WNBA free agency begin?

The 2026 WNBA free agency designation period begins Monday and Tuesday, with official signings scheduled to start Saturday. This is the first free agency period under the new CBA structure, meaning player movement and contract negotiations will reflect the dramatically higher salary cap of $7 million.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Angel Reese and the WNBA

Angel Reese's journey from LSU national champion to WNBA star has never lacked drama, passion, or cultural significance. But April 2026 marks a new chapter — one where the financial rewards are finally beginning to match the magnitude of her impact. With her salary rising to $350,000, a new CBA transforming the entire league, and free agency officially underway, the stage is set for Reese and her peers to thrive in ways the WNBA has never seen before.

The new collective bargaining agreement isn't just about money — it's a statement that women's professional basketball has arrived. And with players like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers leading the way, the league's 30th season promises to be its most exciting yet. Keep an eye on the free agency period over the coming days: the moves made this week will shape the competitive landscape of the WNBA for years to come.