In a recent and bold statement that has sparked widespread conversation, media personality and influencer Chrisean Rock voiced her support for equal pay in professional sports, emphasizing that athletes like Angel Reese and LeBron James should be compensated equally. Her claim—”Because you’re doing exactly what LeBron is doing”—has stirred debate about gender pay disparities in the sports world, especially between the NBA and the WNBA. Rock’s comment comes during a time of increasing attention on women’s sports, with players like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and others bringing a surge of popularity and revenue to women’s basketball.
Angel Reese, a standout college basketball star who recently entered the WNBA, has been candid about the financial realities she faces as a female athlete. In several interviews, she has pointed out that her WNBA salary is not enough to cover her expenses—something almost unimaginable when compared to the multi-million dollar salaries of top NBA players like LeBron James. Rock’s statement amplifies this concern, arguing that female athletes who perform at elite levels and draw massive audiences deserve compensation that reflects their value—not just in terms of talent but in terms of cultural and economic impact.
The idea that Angel Reese is “doing exactly what LeBron is doing” may seem like an exaggeration to some, considering James’s decades-long NBA career, multiple championships, MVP awards, and business ventures. However, Rock’s point seems less about comparing resumes and more about recognizing that women in sports train just as hard, play just as competitively, and sacrifice just as much as their male counterparts. Reese has played under intense media scrutiny, carried her teams to national championships, and brought significant attention to women’s college and professional basketball—something that mirrors what LeBron has done for the men’s game.
There’s also a cultural element to this comparison. Both LeBron James and Angel Reese are more than just athletes; they are influencers, public figures, and role models, particularly in the Black community. They inspire millions through their presence on and off the court. Reese, with her confidence and unapologetic authenticity, has carved out a lane that resonates with younger generations. LeBron, through his philanthropy and advocacy, has long been more than just a basketball player. The comparison Chrisean Rock makes might be symbolic—highlighting the need for society to place equal value on the contributions of female athletes, especially Black women, who are often overlooked or underpaid.
The discussion around equal pay in sports isn’t new. Female athletes in soccer, tennis, basketball, and other sports have been advocating for decades for fair compensation. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, for example, famously fought (and won) a lawsuit demanding equal pay with their male counterparts. The WNBA has made strides in recent years to increase salaries, provide better travel accommodations, and improve working conditions, but there’s still a long way to go.
Critics often argue that NBA players earn more because the league generates more revenue through ticket sales, TV deals, and merchandise. While that’s true, supporters of pay equity point out that female athletes aren’t asking for identical salaries—they’re asking for fair compensation relative to the percentage of revenue they help generate. If Angel Reese or Caitlin Clark helps bring millions of new viewers to the WNBA, shouldn’t their salaries reflect that contribution?
Chrisean Rock’s comment, though perhaps not steeped in economic analysis, captures a growing public sentiment: that the value of women’s sports is rising, and compensation needs to catch up. Her statement is less about stats and more about principle—about fairness, effort, and respect. Athletes like Angel Reese are not only performing at a high level, but they’re also helping to redefine what’s possible for women in sports, making the argument for equal pay not just valid, but necessary.
Ultimately, Rock’s remarks shine a light on the broader issue of systemic inequality in professional athletics. If the sports world truly values performance, dedication, and influence, then it’s time to recognize those traits equally—whether they’re embodied by LeBron James or Angel Reese.
