Stephen Curry has long been regarded as one of the NBA’s most respected and influential figures, both on and off the court. A four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, Curry is known not just for his game-changing shooting and high basketball IQ, but also for his thoughtful advocacy on a number of social and cultural issues. One topic he has increasingly thrown his weight behind is the pay disparity between male and female professional basketball players, particularly when it comes to the WNBA. His comments on this matter have come into sharper focus recently as WNBA rookie and social media icon Angel Reese made headlines by revealing that she is struggling to pay her everyday bills despite her celebrity status. The combination of Curry’s principled stand and Reese’s raw honesty has reignited a critical discussion about gender inequality in sports compensation, the economics of women’s professional basketball, and what needs to change to truly level the playing field.
Angel Reese is not just another rookie in the WNBA. She’s a national champion, an NCAA tournament standout, and a cultural phenomenon. From her time at LSU where she led her team to a national title, to her prominent NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) endorsements, Reese seemed destined to succeed both athletically and financially. However, the transition from college to the pros has laid bare the economic realities of the WNBA, where even high-profile players like Reese are not immune to financial strain. In an era where male NBA rookies are signing multimillion-dollar contracts before even setting foot on an NBA court, Reese’s public disclosure that she cannot cover her daily living expenses has shocked many casual fans and spotlighted the real economic hardship faced by women athletes. It’s a wake-up call to anyone who assumes that all professional athletes live in luxury.
Stephen Curry’s response has not been merely performative or limited to shallow gestures. He has consistently used his platform to speak up about gender equity in sports and has backed it up with tangible support. From sponsoring the inaugural “Stephen and Ayesha Curry Family Women’s Athletics Initiative” at Howard University to working with Under Armour to elevate women athletes, Curry has walked the talk. His remarks about the need to close the pay gap between NBA and WNBA players are not just statements of sympathy—they’re calls to action. He has said plainly that the disparity is “embarrassing” and “not acceptable” in today’s society. When Reese’s comments surfaced, Curry didn’t hesitate to underscore the need for systemic change. He praised her bravery and emphasized the importance of amplifying voices like hers, especially when they reveal uncomfortable truths that many would rather ignore.
Understanding the roots of the pay gap in professional basketball requires a deep dive into the economics of both leagues. The NBA is a financial juggernaut, with massive TV rights deals, global merchandising, billion-dollar franchises, and sell-out arenas. Players receive approximately 50% of basketball-related income (BRI), which leads to astronomical salaries and bonuses. The WNBA, by contrast, operates on a vastly smaller scale. The average WNBA salary in 2024 is around \$147,745, with a league maximum of roughly \$242,000. These numbers pale in comparison to the NBA minimum salary, which for the 2023-2024 season was over \$1 million for a veteran with at least one year of experience. The root issue isn’t that WNBA players are being cheated out of existing revenue, but rather that the league’s overall financial ecosystem is drastically underdeveloped. The television rights are modest, arena attendance is still growing, and corporate sponsorships are only now beginning to catch up with the growing popularity of the league.
This is where Steph Curry’s influence becomes crucial. As one of the most marketable athletes in the world, his words carry weight with both corporate sponsors and sports fans. When Curry voices support for the WNBA and calls for pay equity, it lends legitimacy to the cause and pressures both sponsors and media networks to invest more in women’s sports. It’s not just about fairness—it’s about economic opportunity. The more eyes and dollars flow into the WNBA, the more revenue can be generated, and subsequently, the more equitable player salaries can become. Curry understands this and has made it clear that the battle for equal pay isn’t about redistributing NBA profits—it’s about building a more robust and profitable WNBA.
Angel Reese’s case is especially illuminating because it challenges the notion that popularity alone is enough to guarantee financial success in women’s sports. Reese is one of the most followed and talked-about players in the league. Her NIL deals in college were reportedly worth over \$1.6 million, making her one of the most bankable athletes in the NCAA. Yet even with this background, her entry into the professional game came with a dose of harsh economic reality. Her WNBA rookie contract with the Chicago Sky will pay her around \$73,439 in her first year—a solid salary by many standards, but shockingly low compared to the living expenses in cities like Chicago, especially when juxtaposed with her high visibility and constant media obligations. Her revelation brings into focus the broader economic vulnerability faced by WNBA players, many of whom must play overseas in the offseason to supplement their income—a practice that has historically led to burnout and even dangerous situations, as evidenced by Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia.
Steph Curry’s backing of women’s pay equity is rooted in personal experience as well. He has two young daughters and has frequently said that he wants them to grow up in a world where they’re not told they’re worth less than men simply because of their gender. He has talked openly about how becoming a father changed his perspective on gender roles and equity, and how it’s influenced his willingness to be vocal about women’s rights in sports. It’s a humanizing aspect of Curry’s advocacy—he’s not acting out of obligation, but out of personal conviction and future-minded thinking.
But good intentions alone won’t change a system entrenched in decades of neglect and underfunding. What’s needed is a multi-pronged approach involving the league, media, sponsors, and fans. The WNBA has made strides in recent years—higher attendance, better TV deals, and an influx of talent have all been positive signs. But as Reese’s financial struggle illustrates, progress is still painfully slow. The league’s new media deal, currently under negotiation, could be a game changer if it brings in the kind of revenue that allows for significant salary bumps. Corporate sponsors also have a crucial role to play. Brands that profit off the image and talent of WNBA players need to ensure that financial support matches visibility. Social media virality doesn’t pay rent, and endorsement deals often come with strings attached that limit a player’s autonomy or ability to speak freely.
What Steph Curry and Angel Reese are doing—each in their own lane—is building a narrative that can no longer be ignored. Reese’s vulnerability strips away the myth that visibility equals stability, while Curry’s advocacy pushes for structural reform. The real challenge lies in changing public perception. Too many people still cling to outdated ideas about the quality or marketability of women’s basketball. The product on the court is as compelling, as fierce, and as emotionally resonant as any men’s game. Yet the mainstream media coverage is lopsided, and marketing dollars disproportionately flow toward male athletes. Until that changes, women like Angel Reese will continue to shoulder the burden of celebrity without the financial safety net that their male counterparts enjoy by default.
There’s also a cultural component to consider. Female athletes are often judged more harshly, not just in terms of performance but also appearance, behavior, and how they use their platforms. When Reese celebrated passionately during LSU’s national championship run, she was labeled “classless” by some pundits. Male athletes who behave similarly are often praised as competitive or fiery. These double standards create additional emotional labor for women athletes, who must navigate not only financial struggles but also societal scrutiny. In this sense, the battle for equal pay is also a battle for equal dignity and respect. Curry has acknowledged these inequities in his speeches and interviews, making it clear that fighting for women’s sports is about more than just numbers—it’s about justice.
The broader economic ripple effect of supporting the WNBA should not be underestimated. When women are paid equitably and supported properly, it strengthens entire communities. The visibility of successful women athletes inspires young girls to pursue sports, increases female participation in athletics, and challenges outdated gender norms that say certain roles or professions are “for men.” Curry has repeatedly said that when women’s sports thrive, society thrives. That’s not just a feel-good statement—it’s backed by data. Studies show that girls who play sports are more likely to graduate, earn higher wages, and maintain better mental health. Investing in women’s basketball is, in many ways, an investment in the future.
Angel Reese’s financial vulnerability should not be viewed as a personal failing but as a systemic red flag. She’s doing everything right—playing hard, engaging fans, building a brand—and still struggling to make ends meet. That’s not an isolated issue; it’s a structural flaw that needs to be addressed urgently. And Steph Curry, by continuing to push this issue into the spotlight, is playing a critical role in moving the conversation forward. He understands that real change won’t happen overnight, but he also understands the power of sustained pressure and allyship. By standing with athletes like Reese, he’s helping to create the momentum necessary to transform not just the WNBA but all of women’s sports.
The road ahead will not be easy. Changing the financial landscape of a professional league requires years of planning, increased viewership, bigger investment, and cultural change. But as more high-profile figures like Curry continue to advocate, and as brave players like Reese continue to speak the truth, the foundation is being laid for a future where no woman has to choose between playing the game she loves and financial survival. If fans, media, and sponsors take their cues from these leaders and commit to showing up for women’s basketball with the same energy they bring to the men’s game, then that future could be closer than we think.
Until then, Reese’s voice will serve as a potent reminder of the urgency of the issue. Her honesty cuts through the noise and reminds everyone that success and struggle can coexist. And Steph Curry’s steady, principled support proves that allyship, when backed by action, can truly make a difference. Together, their voices are not just echoing—they’re building. And what they’re building is a movement, not just for parity, but for dignity, sustainability, and hope in women’s professional basketball.
