Another meeting took place on Monday, but the situation remains uncertain. With only three months left before the season begins, a significant divide still exists between the league and its players, casting doubt on where and under what terms players will compete. Meanwhile, Angel Reese appears to have already set her sights on her next destination.
Reese recently visited Australia to promote Reebok’s new sneaker, the Rose Dust Angel Wreath 1. During her trip, she commented, “Maybe someday. I like Australia, so I might come here to play a game or two.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if she made a brief appearance in Australia, a country known for attracting top American basketball talent. Over the past five seasons, players like Jackie Young, Marina Mabry, and Jordan Canada have competed in the WNBL, while Han Shu currently plays in Perth but plans to return to the U.S. league afterward.
Reese also has a deep connection to Australia from her college days. She won an NCAA championship at LSU alongside Australian point guard Rust Tia Poa, which increased her admiration for the nation’s defensive playing style.
“You guys are great defenders,” Reese said. “My favorite defensive teammate is Last Tier. She literally gives everything for the team. I remember one time she took a charge and hit her head on the ground—she just put it all on the line. I get chills talking about when we won the national championship together. Knowing Australians always have your back on the court—they’re tough competitors and great people.”
From stars like Michelle Timms and Sandy Brondello to Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor, Australians have long earned respect for their defensive skills both internationally and in the WNBA. Just last year, Alana Smith was named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Ezee Magbegor earned All-Defensive First Team honors then made the Second Team twice in 2025.
Reese’s remarks come at a crucial time, as collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations are ongoing. The latest in-person meeting in New York—the first since October—lasted three hours and was described as “productive” by both sides. However, players remain unhappy because the league has yet to present a counteroffer to the players association’s proposal, according to Nneka Ogwumike.
The league’s current offer proposes an average annual salary of $530,000 in the first contract year with a maximum of $1.3 million, while players are asking for an average salary exceeding $800,000.
“We’re not going to be satisfied with the same results as last year. We need good players, and we need great players. That’s non-negotiable for me,” Reese stated.
Her stance reflects widespread player frustration over stalled talks and disputes about revenue sharing. The season is set to start on May 8, but key events like the expansion draft, free agency, and rookie draft must occur beforehand.
Until then, let’s take a moment to appreciate the 23-year-old star.
What makes Angel Reese such a global prospect?
The battle for players’ rights extends beyond salaries and contracts; it affects recovery from injuries and overall team preparedness. Reese’s injury situation illustrates how delays can spiral out of control. Fans were surprised when she missed the entire second season of Unrivaled.
Viewers enjoyed watching her dominate in her rookie season, leading the Rose Basketball Club to a championship and becoming one of the league’s most exciting players. Imagine the impact if she brought that same intensity to the WNBL.
Reese dealt with a persistent back injury that forced her to miss 14 games during the 2025 WNBA season, including the final stretch of the campaign in Chicago. Still, when healthy and on the floor, she delivered eye-catching statistics.
In 30 games last year, Reese averaged 14.7 points on 45.8% shooting, with even more impressive rebounding numbers—12.6 per game—along with 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals in roughly 31 minutes per game, leading the league in rebounds. She was also an All-Star for two consecutive years.
If all goes well, Reese is expected to be fully recovered and ready for action by the start of the 2026 season. Chicago kicks off its campaign against Portland and the expansion Fire team on May 9. Who do you think will come out on top? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This ongoing standoff between players and the league highlights just how critical fair negotiations are for the future of the WNBA. Angel Reese’s potential move to the international stage could signal a growing trend of top talent exploring global opportunities, which could reshape the league’s competitive landscape.
