Angel Reese, the WNBA star, recently emphasized to her boyfriend Wendell Carter Jr. that she manages several jobs alongside her basketball career, showcasing her dedication beyond the court. This interaction happened amid ongoing conversations about the financial realities for female athletes, with Reese balancing her multiple endeavors while supporting her personal life. The Chicago Sky forward has built a foundation since her rookie season to secure substantial earnings and opportunities outside of her WNBA salary.
Despite criticisms suggesting Reese may not be fully focused on basketball or her relationship, she confidently pointed out her hard work across various roles. Earning $9.4 million in 2025, Reese is among the highest-paid female athletes globally, combining her athletic career with entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts.
As Reese playfully told Wendell Carter Jr.,
“I had a long day at work. Don’t you love your woman that got five jobs?… You can be like,’I don’t need this, my girl got 15K jobs.’ Can’t you say that?”
Angel Reese said to Wendell Carter Jr.
This statement serves as a reminder of the multifaceted career Reese maintains, which includes collaborations with brands, managing a foundation, and other ventures.
Reese Defends Herself Against Critics Accusing Her of Flaunting Success
Angel Reese has previously faced backlash from critics and trolls who interpret her sharing of endorsement deals and career milestones as boasting. When Reese encouraged her NBA player boyfriend to acknowledge her multiple jobs openly, some detractors accused her of showing off.
However, Reese views these roles as privileges rather than mere opportunities for status. She conveyed this sentiment with a quote from a fan:
“What a privilege it is to be overwhelmed by the opportunities I once prayed for.”
Angel Reese quoted a fan
Growing up with limited resources alongside her mother and brother, Reese acknowledges that her current opportunities are significant steps toward building generational wealth.
Ultimately, Reese’s remarks were more lighthearted than boastful, aimed at nudging Wendell Carter Jr. to take pride in the productive nature of their relationship. Unlike some partners of athletes who might only enjoy the financial benefits, Reese demonstrates how she actively contributes through her multiple jobs and projects.
Uncertainty Surrounds Reese’s Return to Basketball Amid Ongoing Contract Talks
With the WNBA season approaching, the timeline for Angel Reese to resume focused training remains unclear due to the unresolved collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and players’ union. Typically, athletes who are not engaged in other commitments begin preparing with personal trainers or team staff as February arrives.
Since Reese is not participating in the second season of the basketball-focused show Unrivaled, this would normally be an ideal time to recommence her training regimen. However, progress on the CBA negotiations has stalled, prolonging her uncertainty about when she can begin serious practice again.
On February 1, 2026, the WNBA and WNBPA met in New York City, but the discussion did not produce the expected breakthrough. According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the league arrived without a formal proposal, leaving players to wait for a counteroffer. Nneka Ogwumike commented on the meeting,
“The WNBA & WNBPA met for roughly 3 hrs at the league offices in New York City on Monday. The WNBA showed up without a proposal. That kind of set the tone for the conversation because we were hoping to hear otherwise,”
Nneka Ogwumike told me.
This lack of progress dampens hopes for a timely resolution.
Though the league has announced a preliminary schedule, players remain hesitant to train fully until the new CBA is finalized. This situation impacts Reese and others as delays mean less preparation time for the upcoming season, adding another layer of complexity to their professional lives and earnings.
Broader Implications of Angel Reese’s Career and the WNBA’s Future
Angel Reese embodies the challenges and opportunities faced by modern female athletes who balance sports, endorsements, and business ventures to secure their financial futures. Her ability to maintain multiple roles highlights a shift in how professional athletes engage with their careers beyond competition, especially in leagues like the WNBA where salaries often require supplementing.
Moreover, the ongoing CBA negotiations demonstrate the friction between players seeking improved conditions and league management. The pace and outcome of these talks will have significant effects not only on Reese’s training schedule but also on the livelihood and stability of many athletes in women’s basketball.
As Angel Reese continues to push boundaries as both a top-tier athlete and entrepreneur, her story emphasizes the importance of resilience and versatility in building a lasting legacy. The coming months will reveal how these efforts, paired with league developments, shape her career and that of others striving to elevate women’s professional sports.
https://twitter.com/ItsKingSlime/status/2018377475311727054
The WNBA & WNBPA met for roughly 3 hrs at the league offices in New York City on Monday. The WNBA showed up without a proposal.
“That kind of set the tone for the conversation because we were hoping to hear otherwise," Nneka Ogwumike told me.https://t.co/jHIbsOKtNN
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) February 2, 2026
