It’s January 17th, and Angel Reese is gearing up to make her Unrivaled debut—a moment fans have been eagerly waiting for. But before stepping onto the court, Reese dropped some tea that had everyone talking.

The rising star took to her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, where she teamed up with basketball legend Skylar Diggins 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.”

For 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. Recently, she pointed out how the new league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart—offering higher salaries—could create added “pressure on the WNBA.”

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 put it, “I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all… I don’t even think that pays one of my bills.” After knowing the struggles of game changing rookie class, how could WNBPA remain silent?

Following the Liberty’s thrilling overtime win against the Lynx in the WNBA Finals, the WNBPA decided to opt out of their current collective bargaining agreement. The move, made before the November 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 a 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?