Earlier this year, Angel Reese captured national attention when she revealed that her $73,000 WNBA salary barely covered her $8,000 monthly rent.
Away from the spotlight, she was carefully laying the foundation for a greater triumph.
At just 22 years old, the Chicago Sky rookie turned her lucrative brand partnerships into homeownership, securing a $1.3 million property in Lemont, Illinois.
Alongside this milestone, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by retiring her mother, a moment she described as one of her proudest achievements.
In the kitchen of her new home, Reese posed proudly, marking a full-circle victory that showcased the rewards of perseverance and ambition.
Building Success Beyond the WNBA
After signing with the Chicago Sky in 2024, Angel Reese quickly realized that her WNBA paycheck would not be enough to support the lifestyle she had envisioned.
Despite her four-year contract worth $324,383, her first-year salary of approximately $73,439 was insufficient to cover even basic expenses in Chicago.
Reese openly discussed the financial struggles many WNBA players face, emphasizing that her rent alone exceeded what her salary could comfortably manage.
However, her strong social media presence and marketing acumen allowed her to cultivate significant income streams beyond the court.
Through strategic brand partnerships, Reese accumulated over $1.5 million, positioning herself for financial independence early in her professional career.
A Dream Realized in Lemont
Reese channeled her off-court earnings into the purchase of a newly built home in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago.
The property boasts four bedrooms and spans approximately 3,600 square feet.
Featuring gleaming marble countertops, an elegant black oven hood, and rich wood cabinetry, the home offers a refined and luxurious aesthetic.
The modern design and upscale finishes reflect Reese’s taste and symbolize a hard-earned reward for her relentless drive.
Sharing a photo from the kitchen while holding a large white key, Reese celebrated the achievement with her fans, proudly announcing her new status as a homeowner.
A Vision Board Fulfilled
Marking two major goals within the first four months of the year, Angel Reese expressed gratitude for reaching significant personal milestones.
By purchasing her first home and retiring her mother, she accomplished dreams that many aspire to fulfill over a lifetime.
Her message resonated widely, especially as it came against the backdrop of conversations about gender pay disparities in professional sports.
Reese’s achievements demonstrated that resilience, strategy, and leveraging opportunities can turn challenges into major victories.
Her journey stands as a testament to ambition meeting preparation and the transformative power of believing in a larger vision.
Leveraging Fame for Financial Power
Reese’s rise to financial security stemmed largely from her savvy approach to branding and endorsements.
While still at Louisiana State University, she commanded one of the highest NIL valuations among college athletes, rivaling that of standout competitors such as Caitlin Clark.
Following the 2023 NCAA championship game, her NIL valuation skyrocketed to an estimated $876,000.
Major companies such as Wingstop, McDonald’s, Raising Cane’s, PlayStation, Amazon, and Coach quickly recognized her marketability, leading to a series of lucrative endorsement deals.
By 2025, Reese’s net worth had climbed to an estimated $2 million, securing her place not only as a rising basketball star but also as a powerful brand in her own right.
