“Last year, you made a powerful statement, saying the reason people are watching women’s basketball is not just because of one player, but also because of you,” the reporter questioned during a recent Chicago Sky press conference.
Before they could finish asking their question, Reese intervened and said, “Next question.”
Reese received harsh criticism on social media in June 2024 after arguing vehemently that the success of women’s basketball is due not only to opponent Caitlin Clark, but also to her.
“We have celebrities coming to games. Arenas are currently sold out. We watch women’s basketball for more than just one reason. It’s also because of me. “I want you to understand that,” she stated at the time.
Reese wanted to credit herself and Clark, who has long been praised for catapulting the WNBA to new heights with record-breaking attendance, viewership, and retail sales.
However, basketball fans were outraged by Reese’s response at the time, claiming she was in denial or simply ‘jealous’ of Clark.
“Just say you’re jealous we get it,” one admirer said on X.
“She’s completely wrong. Wait till she notices the difference in ratings and attendance with and without Clark. It’s not unreasonable to believe that the biggest star is the largest draw; it’s not even a debate,” another wrote.
Ultimately, regardless of who is responsible for the WNBA’s success, every player stands to benefit from more attention to the league, particularly in terms of wages. Last November, the WNBA announced an 11-year media rights contract for $200 million per year.
This is more than the $60 million the league presently receives, which will significantly raise pay packages.
There is anticipation that revisions to the contract limits will come as soon as the Women’s National Basketball Player Association has opted out of its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WNBA.
A player on a super maximum contract now earns between $64,154 and $241,984.
There has yet to be an agreement on a CBA, and Reese made news earlier this year when she hinted players could sit out if a new deal was not reached. “If y’all don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” she told fellow WNBA player Dijonai Carrington on her show.
Reese is on a four-year rookie scale contract worth $324,383 and will make just under $75,000 in 2025.
The WNBPA and the WNBA have until October 31 to agree on a new CBA.
For now, Reese and her WNBA counterparts will undoubtedly focus on the opening of the WNBA. The season begins on May 16.
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