Angel Reese Declares for the WNBA Draft: ‘I Feel Like I’m Ready’

LSU Lady Tigers star Angel Reese declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday, days after her team lost in the NCAA tournament. The decision was a long time coming, she said.

“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese told Vogue about her decision. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”

LSU’s Hailey Van Lith enters transfer portal.

During her short time in Baton Rouge, LSU phenom Angel Reese has redefined what a female college athlete can earn. Now, the junior from Maryland has decided to take her talents to the WNBA.

“I’m leaving college with everything I ever wanted, a degree, a national championship, and this platform I could’ve never imagined,” she said.

Will Angel Reese Declare for the WNBA Draft?

Reese said that she will make her decision whether to return to the Tigers or declare for the WNBA draft after the season, which is now. She was likely tempted to run it back with LSU, given the strong bond she has forged with teammates Flu’Jae Johnson, Hailey Van Lith and others. But then there’s the money.

Reese’s decision will in large part be shaped by how much money she stands to make at the next level.

In the WNBA, the average salary is around $102,000 a year. The league minimum is $62,000 and the maximum is around $240,000.

How Much Does Angel Reese Make in College?

Because of NIL (name, image and likeness) deals, Reese commands nearly $2 million based on endorsements and deals. In 2023, some reports said that she pulled in more than $3 million. In 2024, she reportedly made another $1.4 million.

After playing two seasons with the Maryland Terrapins, Reese transferred to LSU and immediately became a star, taking the Lady Tigers to a National Championship powered by the forward guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey.

After the game, Reese reflected on her championship year and the abuse she endured along the way.

“I’ve been through so much, I’ve seen so much, I’ve been attacked so many times,” Reese said. “Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things and I’ve stood strong every single time. I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them.”