Angel Reese, once hailed as one of the rising stars of the WNBA, is now facing a career and financial crisis that few saw coming. Her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” has failed to gain traction despite early hype, and recent financial troubles at her sponsor’s parent company have only made matters worse. Add in lavish spending, dwindling fan support, and a volatile media presence, and Reese’s once-promising media venture is now hanging by a thread.

Her podcast was supposed to be a slam dunk—a blend of lifestyle commentary, behind-the-scenes access, and the magnetic pull of her personal brand. Instead, it’s turned into a costly gamble that may be dragging her deeper into financial instability. As reports surface of Better Collective, the media conglomerate backing her podcast, slashing over 100 jobs and missing revenue targets by $75 million, Reese is left questioning whether she bet on the wrong future.

Better Collective, a massive media firm valued at $820 million, operates Playmaker HQ, the network behind Reese’s podcast. But even giants can fall. In late October, the company’s stock plummeted 36.5% in a single day following layoffs and missed profit projections. The impact has sent shockwaves across affiliated projects, including Angel’s podcast. With investor confidence shaken and operational cuts underway, Reese’s media side hustle may be the next to go.

Worse yet, this financial fallout isn’t occurring in a vacuum. Reese has been outspoken about her WNBA salary, stating that her pay “doesn’t even cover one of my bills.” That bill? Reportedly her rent—an eye-popping $100,000 per year, or over $8,000 per month.

Living Lavish on a Modest Salary

Let’s break down the math. The average WNBA salary sits around $75,000—barely enough to cover Reese’s rent, let alone other living expenses. And while she earns more through sponsorships and brand deals, depending so heavily on a podcast for financial stability seems increasingly risky.

“I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said candidly. But living beyond your means isn’t a sustainable game plan, especially when the platform that was supposed to bridge the gap is failing to connect with audiences.

Unlike NBA veterans who treat podcasting as a branding supplement, Reese seems to have leaned on it as a primary income source. But without consistent downloads and listener retention, ad revenue tanks. Sponsors aren’t fooled by flashy clips; they want real engagement.

Reese’s situation echoes a lesson many celebrities have learned the hard way: name recognition doesn’t automatically equal podcast success. Meghan Markle and the Obamas, with far more visibility and backing, saw their own podcast efforts flop. Without compelling, consistent content, even major deals can fail.

And Reese’s podcast faces an uphill battle. With the WNBA season over, she has no fresh on-court content to fuel interest. Unless she reinvents the format quickly, interest may continue to decline. Social media buzz can’t replace loyal listeners who sit through full episodes.

Shaq Can Survive—Reese Can’t

Shaquille O’Neal, who also podcasts under Playmaker HQ, has the financial stability to weather a media slump. Angel doesn’t. Her entire post-college career has been built around a personal brand still trying to mature. If the podcast folds, it could send shockwaves through her income streams.

Reese has admitted that playing in the WNBA is “just a bonus” and that she didn’t get paid in college. That context makes her reliance on sponsorship dollars and her podcast earnings even more precarious. While some estimates peg her potential income between $5,200 and $82,400 per month, it’s clear that fluctuations are massive—and risky.

Why It’s Not Just About Angel

This controversy also raises questions about financial literacy and planning among rising sports stars. Reese’s case is a cautionary tale for athletes who think virality equals longevity. Spending $100K a year on rent while relying on unstable revenue streams shows a disconnect between income and lifestyle.

Critics have slammed her comments as tone-deaf, especially when the average rent in Chicago is under $2,500. “Not exactly the smartest game plan,” one fan posted online. Others question why she didn’t save more during her peak endorsement window.

The Podcast Bubble Might Be Popping

The podcasting gold rush may be fading. Platforms like Spotify have pulled the plug on major shows despite high-profile hosts. The public no longer tunes in just because someone is famous—they demand value, depth, and connection.

Reese’s content has yet to evolve beyond surface-level commentary. Without strong production, unique storytelling, or deep engagement with listeners, her show risks becoming another forgotten entry in the oversaturated market. And now that her sponsor is floundering, the safety net may be gone.

Angel Reese faces a critical choice. Double down and revamp the podcast into something that delivers consistent value, or pivot entirely. Her talent on the court is undeniable, but off the court, she’s now confronting the hard realities of media entrepreneurship.

To survive this storm, she’ll need more than a big name—she’ll need strategy, humility, and hustle. Whether that means downsizing her lifestyle, diversifying her revenue streams, or even taking a break from the spotlight, one thing’s clear: the old plan isn’t working.

If Reese wants to avoid becoming a cautionary tale in the world of influencer athletes, she must adapt quickly. Her next moves may determine not just the fate of her podcast, but her financial future and reputation as a modern media personality.