Angel Reese's breakout season just got even more rewarding. The Atlanta Dream forward's stellar play has not only earned her individual accolades but also a path to a massive payday.
Reese, who averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game this season, was named the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-WNBA second team. That All-WNBA selection is the key that unlocks a financial windfall, thanks to the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) provision in the league's collective bargaining agreement.
With this provision now in effect, Reese becomes eligible to sign a maximum contract in her fourth season, which would be a monumental raise from her current rookie-scale deal. As it stands, she's slated to earn $396,282 from the Dream in 2027, but the max salary for that season is projected to exceed $1.2 million. That's a raise of nearly threefold, a testament to her rapid rise in the league.
While the financial future is bright, Reese's immediate focus is on the WNBA Finals. The Dream had a golden opportunity to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Valkyries on Saturday but fell short on their home court. The series is now tied at 2-2, setting up a pivotal Game 5 on Monday.
Reese's intensity and competitive fire have been on full display throughout the Finals, from her ruthless Game 4 mindset to her bench tirade that set the tone in a crucial win. Her leadership and tenacity have been instrumental in the Dream's postseason run, and she's shown she can elevate her game when the stakes are highest.
Off the court, Reese has also become a lightning rod for attention, drawing both praise and criticism. Some media members have been blasted for ignoring her Finals brilliance, while fans have roasted her haters during the series. Through it all, Reese has remained focused on the ultimate goal: a championship.
The Dream's resilience has been a hallmark of their playoff run. Despite the Game 4 setback, they have shown they can bounce back, and Reese's determination will be key in Monday's decisive matchup. The series has been a showcase of her growth as a player and a leader, and a title would be the perfect capstone to a season that has already secured her financial future.
For now, the contract talk can wait. Reese and the Dream have unfinished business on the court, and the basketball world will be watching to see if she can deliver one more signature performance when it matters most.
