“It’s Going to Get Worse”: Mayweather Promotions’ Ex-CEO Warns Angel Reese’s Critics, Rallies to Support WNBA Star

Former Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe has recently voiced his support for WNBA star Angel Reese. The Chicago Sky Power forward recently revealed something shocking about her life on Instagram Live on Tuesday after attending the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. The 22-year-old claimed she wouldn’t be able to live on an annual WNBA salary alone.

“I just hope you know. The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese said. “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 [in Chicago]. I’m gonna do the math real quick.” After the Baltimorean crunched some numbers, she claimed her rent alone was $8,000, adding, “I’m living beyond my means!”

Frustrated, Reese further added that she wouldn’t be able to get a sandwich if she wanted to, adding, “I wouldn’t be able to eat. I wouldn’t be able to live.” This was soon picked up by the media to highlight the pay issues in the WNBA. Regardless, since then, a fan hopped on X, writing, “Angel Reese got motion outside of the WNBA and fans hate it. Every time I open social media people crying about her outfits.”

Responding to this tweet, Leonard Ellerbe, who not that long ago, announced he is getting into the WNBA scene, presumably to promote players or something in a similar vein, wrote back with a supportive message for Reese. “Oh, it’s going to get worse. She getting to the bag and that’s what’s up. Baltimore stand-up 💪🏾💪🏾,” he wrote.

According to Ellerbe, with her growing popularity, it’s only a matter of time before she starts earning the kind of money that most NBA stars earn on average. And there is nothing most critics can do about it. That said, Reese isn’t alone in voicing concerns about the low pay for women in the sport. However, is she really as down bad as she claimed?

How much is Angel Reese making?

Only in 2024, the Louisiana State University alum signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Sky worth $324,383. According to Sportrac, Reese is expected to earn an annual salary of $73,439 in the 2024 WNBA season. Luckily for her, this isn’t the only place she is making money from, much like her fellow female basketball player Caitlin Clark.

Per sources, Reese could make up to $1 million from brand deals and endorsements. Just last year the 22-year-old signed with Reebok, and created her personal collection of products, aptly named ‘Angel’s Picks.’ Besides that, Reese has also signed endorsement deals with Beats by Dre, Tampax, Airbnb, Amazon, Playstation, Bose, Raising Cane’s, Sonic, and Mielle Organics. However, despite the endorsements, a star of Angel Reese’s stature would also have corresponding expenses. A huge chunk of an athlete’s income goes toward paying the salaries of their support staff like training coaches, managers, assistants, publicists, lawyers, and accountants, something that people outside the sport never hear of.

It appears with Angel Reese’s confession about her WNBA salary, the Chicago Sky forward—who was drafted 7th overall in 2024—has once again opened up the dialogue on pay disparity evident in women’s sports. What are your thoughts on the entire situation?