Angel Reese won the Unrivaled league’s inaugural championship on Monday night, and with it came a $50,000 bonus.

Reese, who won the college national championship with LSU in 2023, was a part of Rose BC, along with Chelsea Gray, Lexie Hull, Kahleah Cooper, Azura Stevens and Brittney Sykes.

Each player won the bonus, and it’s safe to say that Reese was pretty thrilled.

Reese, often nicknamed “Bayou Barbie” for her confidence and charisma, has become one of the league’s most talked-about figures since joining the WNBA after her stellar college career at LSU. Known for her passion, style, and fearlessness both on and off the court, she has never shied away from speaking her mind — especially when it comes to fairness and empowerment.

“People love when we entertain, when we trend, when we fill arenas,” she said in a follow-up interview. “But when it comes time to pay us like professionals, suddenly everyone gets quiet. I’m not going to be quiet.”

Her remarks come amid growing discussions about the stark pay disparity between the WNBA and the NBA. While male players often earn millions in salaries and bonuses, many women’s basketball stars still rely on endorsements or off-season overseas contracts to make ends meet.

According to league reports, the average WNBA salary hovers around $120,000, with only a few superstars earning above $200,000 — a fraction of what their NBA counterparts make. Reese’s demand for a $50,000 championship bonus, while modest in comparison to NBA payouts, has struck a nerve precisely because it exposes how limited the financial rewards in the WNBA remain.

In her post-game interviews and social media comments, Reese has emphasized that her demand isn’t just personal — it’s about the bigger picture.

“It’s not greed,” she explained. “It’s value. We’re out here doing the same work, putting in the same hours, and giving our bodies to the game. We deserve bonuses that reflect our impact — on the court, in the community, and in the culture.”

She pointed out that her team’s games have sold out arenas and generated record-breaking engagement online, especially among younger fans. “The numbers don’t lie,” she added. “We bring eyes. We bring energy. So why are we still fighting to be taken seriously financially?”

Angel Reese, #5 of Rose, reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Phantom at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025, in Medley, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“50K NEED DATTTTT,” she posted to X shortly after the win.

That prompted Sydney Colson, who recently signed a one-year deal with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, to crack a joke about Reese giving her the money.

Reese’s call for change has drawn mixed reactions within the WNBA community. Some veteran players have quietly supported her stance, calling it “the kind of fire this league needs,” while others worry that such bold demands could create friction with league officials.

A source close to the WNBA Players Association confirmed that ongoing discussions about performance-based bonuses have been happening behind closed doors, but Reese’s public comments have “definitely turned up the heat.”

“She’s not asking for a mansion — she’s asking for a fair reward for her hard work,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “If Angel Reese says $50K is non-negotiable, then pay the woman. She’s earned every penny.”

Sports analysts have also weighed in, noting that Reese’s influence extends far beyond the court. Her presence has helped drive ticket sales, boost television ratings, and attract sponsorships to the WNBA.

Some argue that players like her are instrumental in the league’s recent surge in popularity. “Angel Reese represents the modern athlete,” said ESPN commentator Malika Andrews.

“She’s talented, marketable, outspoken, and fearless. The WNBA should recognize that players like her are helping to redefine what women’s basketball can be.”

“Hey angel girl, just wanted to check in and see how ur doing and just let u know I’m here for u if u need anything…esp if u need to get rid of 50k by tomorrow or anything like that…” Colson replied to Reese’s post.

But Reese turned it down, and it seems her original post wasn’t much of sarcasm.

Angel Reese, #5 of Rose, dribbles the ball against the Phantom during the third quarter of the game at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025, in Medley, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“hey sista. i’m doing well. just won 50k on a flight. I know you are VERY aware & i’m sorry to break it to you but i’m on a rookie contract & that 50k was a little more than half of my contract so I have to keep that to myself…. sorry 🙁 give me a few years and i gotchu. be well,” Reese replied.

Reese has spoken about WNBA contracts recently – she made just under $75,000 in her rookie season and will make less than that this upcoming year.

“I’m living beyond my means. Hating pays them bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said back in October. “I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. Let me do the math real quick. I don’t even know my (WNBA) salary, $74,000?”

Angel Reese of Rose reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Phantom at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025, in Medley, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Reese also said earlier this month that she’s willing to “stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes” to get players more money.

Angel Reese, one of the brightest stars in the WNBA and a rising face of women’s basketball, has made headlines once again — this time for speaking out boldly about what she calls “a matter of respect and fairness.”

In a fiery statement that has set social media ablaze, the Chicago Sky forward declared that she deserves a $50,000 championship bonus, insisting that the amount is “non-negotiable.” Her words have reignited a long-simmering debate about pay inequality in women’s sports and the financial struggles many WNBA players still face despite their growing popularity.

The controversy began after Reese appeared in a candid live session with fans earlier this week. When asked about her goals for the upcoming WNBA season, she didn’t hesitate to mix ambition with advocacy.

“I want to win a championship — but I also want to get paid what we deserve,” she said. “Fifty thousand for that title run? I need this money. I earned it. We earned it.” Her statement, raw and unapologetic, instantly went viral, with fans and fellow athletes rushing to comment on the issue.

Reese’s message also touched on the emotional and personal toll of being underpaid in professional sports. “People don’t understand — we’re not living the same lives as NBA stars,” she shared.

“We don’t have private jets, massive contracts, or luxury perks. Some of us are budgeting between rent, travel, and taking care of our families.

I’m proud of where I am, but it’s okay to say I want more — because I deserve more.” Her honesty resonated deeply with fans who have followed her journey from college stardom to WNBA prominence.

The league has yet to issue an official response to Reese’s comments, but insiders suggest that her statement could prompt fresh negotiations over player bonuses and compensation structures.

A WNBA spokesperson recently confirmed that the league is “committed to evaluating pay models as the sport continues to grow,” but stopped short of addressing Reese’s demand directly.

Privately, some executives have admitted that Reese’s star power — combined with her ability to spark conversation — makes her impossible to ignore.

What makes this moment so significant is that it’s about more than one player’s paycheck. Reese has become the voice of a generation of athletes demanding equity, transparency, and respect.

Her courage to speak up reflects a broader shift in women’s sports — one where players no longer shy away from demanding what they’re worth. “This isn’t just for me,” she said. “It’s for every woman who’s been told to be grateful instead of ambitious.”

As the debate rages on, Angel Reese remains focused on her goals. Training videos on her social media show her working tirelessly in the gym, with captions like “Focused.

Hungry. Worth it.” Her fans see not just a basketball player, but a trailblazer challenging a system that’s long overdue for change.

Whether or not the WNBA meets her $50,000 demand, one thing is clear — Angel Reese has made her point. She’s not just playing for trophies; she’s playing for progress.

Her message, raw and powerful, captures a truth that transcends basketball: women deserve to be valued not only for their talent, but for the courage it takes to demand what they’re worth.

And as the spotlight intensifies on her words, the league — and the world — is watching to see whether that demand for respect finally translates into the reward she, and so many others, have earned.