It’s Decision Time for LSU’s Angel Reese

Photo credit: LSU Tigers

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 a big decision to make: Will she return to LSU for her senior season or declare for the WNBA draft?

Will Angel Reese Declare for the WNBA Draft?

Reese has 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 is 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.

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.

Seeking a repeat, LSU was upended by a lights-out performance from Iowa and their star Caitlyn Clark, who scored 41 points.

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.”

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.

Who Is the Highest Paid Woman College Basketball Player?

You’d be forgiven if you thought it was Reese, but it’s actually Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark, who pulled in a staggering $3.1 million last year with NIL deals with Gatorade and Nike, to name a couple.

Final Word

No matter where Reese’s basketball skills take her, we know that she will be a perennial star who averages double-digits in points and rebounds. We also know that she will always be #foreverlsu.

James Johnson

James Johnson is a writer originally from New York City. She has lived in the South for the last 15 years and enjoys Creole cooking and shrimp and grits.