Angel Reese had made it very clear over the years: Caitlin Clark is not the only reason why women's basketball has become more popular. The former LSU Tigers star, who won a national championship in college and has played two seasons with the Chicago Sky, believes she is a major reason for the sport's growth, too.
“I know I’ll go down in history. I’ll look back in 20 years and be like: ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball isn’t just because of one person. It’s because of me, too,’” she said back in 2025.
“And I want you to realize that.”
Reese isn't necessarily wrong. She's not as popular as Clark, but she's up there. However, heading into the 2026 season, she won't be very happy with things.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Through their first two WNBA seasons, Reese and Clark have earned roughly the same salaries. Clark's WNBA salary was $78,066 last year, while Reese's was $73,439 in 2024 and $74,909 in 2025.
However, in 2026, their salary gaps will be much larger.
Thanks to the new CBA, Clark will be jumping from $78,066 to $527,155. Because she was an All-WNBA player, she'll be eligible for a max contract in 2027 that could reach $1.3 million.
Reese, meanwhile, will only be jumping from the $70,000 range into the $349,571. Her pay could reach close to $400,000 by 2027.
That's a lot of money, though it's a big gap between her and Clark.
Reese will likely take issue with the big gap
Reese will likely be taking issue with the big gap between herself and Clark. Just last year, she shut down a reporter's question about her comparisons with Clark.
“Last year, you made a powerful statement saying the reason people are watching women’s basketball is not just because of one player, but because of you too,” the reporter said. “A year later, do you feel like you’re …”
Reese swiftly cut in, demanding, “Next question.”
Reese clearly holds herself in a high light, and she should, though the gap between herself and Clark is only continuing to grow.
