lost a disaster to New York Liberty but Angel Reese still received a huge amount of money to a number that no one could imagine

Despite a humiliating 92-77 loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, Angel Reese continues to make headlines for reasons far beyond the court. The Chicago Sky rookie and social media sensation reportedly secured one of the most lucrative endorsement deals ever seen for a first-year WNBA player — a financial windfall that has left fans and critics equally stunned.

A Night to Forget On the Court

Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky suffered their worst defeat of the young season in a lopsided matchup against Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty. The Liberty dominated from start to finish, outscoring the Sky in every quarter and holding Reese to just 6 points on 2-of-11 shooting. The loss marked the Sky’s third consecutive defeat and highlighted growing pains for a roster still searching for chemistry and leadership.

Social media was quick to react, with many critics questioning whether the hype around Reese was warranted. “She’s flashy, sure,” one user wrote. “But where’s the substance on the court?”

Off the Court: A Shocking Pay Day

Just hours after the final buzzer sounded at Barclays Center, a different kind of headline emerged. Sources close to Reese’s management team confirmed that she had signed a multi-year partnership deal with global fashion giant Dior, estimated to be worth $5 million annually.

The figure — staggering for any WNBA player, let alone a rookie — immediately sparked debate across sports media platforms. For comparison, the league’s top annual salary hovers just under $250,000, making Reese’s off-court income almost 20 times her player salary.

Why Brands Are Flocking to Reese

Reese’s commercial appeal is undeniable. Known as the “Bayou Barbie,” she rose to national prominence after leading LSU to a national championship in 2023 and has since cultivated a powerful personal brand built on confidence, authenticity, and unapologetic style. With over 5 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), Reese is not just an athlete — she’s a media powerhouse.

“Angel isn’t just a basketball player,” said sports marketing expert Kendra Lopez. “She’s a cultural figure, a fashion icon, and a social media titan. Brands aren’t just paying for her stats — they’re paying for her influence.”

Strategic Timing or Tactical Diversion?

The announcement’s timing has led to speculation about whether it was intentionally released to distract from her poor on-court performance. Analysts point to Reese’s media-savvy team, who have often used her popularity to redirect the narrative in times of criticism.

Still, even some of Reese’s critics admit the deal is a major win — not just for her, but for women’s basketball overall.

“This is a big moment,” ESPN’s Holly Rowe commented. “Angel Reese just proved that WNBA players can be financially successful outside their game stats. That’s powerful for the next generation.”

Support and Backlash

While many fans celebrated Reese’s financial breakthrough, others questioned whether such attention could become a distraction from basketball itself.

“She’s clearly talented, but it feels like her brand is growing faster than her game,” one fan wrote. “At some point, the performance has to match the paycheck.”

Reese, for her part, has remained mostly silent, aside from a cryptic tweet: “They’ll talk whether I win or lose. So why not cash in regardless?”

Changing the Landscape

The magnitude of Reese’s deal may signal a broader shift in the economics of women’s sports. For decades, female athletes have been undervalued, often working second jobs just to support their playing careers. With NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities expanding and the rise of social-first athletes like Reese and Caitlin Clark, the old models are quickly becoming outdated.

“Angel Reese isn’t an anomaly,” said business journalist Carla Hunter. “She’s the future.”

Final Thoughts

Whether she bounces back in her next game or continues to struggle on the hardwood, Angel Reese has already rewritten the script for what it means to succeed in professional women’s sports. Her paycheck may not reflect her stat line, but in today’s WNBA — perhaps it doesn’t have to.