Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese finished second in 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year voting behind Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds in her rookie campaign, Reese broke the league’s record for rookie double-doubles.

In addition to her historic numbers on the court, Reese helped bring a lot of new fans to the WNBA. A star during her time at LSU, Reese’s battle with Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes during the 2023 National Championship game was a massive moment for women’s basketball.

Carrying this momentum into the WNBA, Reese had a lot of success on and off the court in her first professional season.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during the WNBA All Star Game.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Notable celebrities and NBA stars attended Sky games this season, including Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. Taking in his first live WNBA action, Ball was in attendance at the Sky vs. New York Liberty game in June.

Reese was ejected from this game, but Ball offered to pay whatever fine she received from the WNBA.

Recently having Ball on her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, Reese revealed the NBA star sent her $2,000 for what ended up being only a $200 fine.

“You gave me $2,000,” Reese said. “Do you know how much my fine actually was? It was only $200.”

Ball’s $2,000 gift to Reese has been turning heads on social media, especially with the Sky forward revealing it was $1,800 more than she was actually fined.

“Good guy Zo,” one fan wrote.

“$2,000 is crazy,” a fan added.

“Lonzo got that bag lmaooo,” another fan commented.

“I mean he making 20 million that’s lunch money lol,” a fan pointed out.

Reese shared her appreciation for Ball’s offer the night of that game, and thanked him again on the podcast.

The comments from fans have continued to pour in under the video of Ball and Reese discussing this $2,000 gift.

“200$ fine compared to the 50k fines Adam Silver be handing out damn,” a fan wrote.

“The Angel Reese haters are gonna love this one ,” another fan commented.

“,” a fan replied.

“200 dollar fine is crazy,” another comment read..

Angel Reese Praises Unrivaled League as ‘Exposure We Deserve’

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January 17 marks the official start of the newest women’s basketball league Unrivaled, where 36 WNBA standouts will come together in Miami for some three-on-three action. Six teams comprised of six WNBA players will compete on center stage for nine weeks, and the league will have playoffs to crown a champion of the league.

Unrivaled was co-founded by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. The league was created to give WNBA players an alternative route in the post-season to playing overseas to continue earning money. Players will also be compensated a six figure salary, ultimately paying these ladies more than the WNBA.

The league has also secured a prominent streaming deal with TNT, setting the stage to further the momentum women’s sports has gained in the last couple of years. Unrivaled is giving these young stars the platform to continue showcasing their talent, which has grasped the attention of millions in recent seasons. In fact, the WNBA has just completed its most successful season in terms of ratings and viewership in league history.

What’s even more impressive is the number of WNBA stars who have committed to playing in the Unrivaled league. Household names including Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, and Alyssa Thomas have committed to playing.

The teams have begun practicing, and they just recently completed their first ever media day. Reese spoke to the media recently regarding her thoughts on the conditions of the league.

“I would stay here forever,” Reese said in her first Unrivaled media availability, per Noa Dalzell of SB Nation. “Everything I need is here — from massages to cold tubs, to being able to have resources, to workouts and everything.”

That was the goal for Unrivaled. The founders wanted players to feel appreciated and valued while competing in the league. Players are not only being compensated well, but they are practicing, training, and playing in some of the nicest facilities Miami had to offer.

The Unrivaled venue is packed with world-class amenities and luxuries to help make players experience seamless during the next nine weeks. The venue comes with a makeup and hair room, state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities, and even childcare for mothers who choose to bring their children along for the journey.

“We’re going to provide daycare servicing for the mothers on arrival,” league president Alex Bazzell told Dalzell. “It’s everything that the athletes need under one roof when it comes to anything and everything — on-court or off-court for them.”