Angel Reese carved her own path, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. During her appearance on Michelle Obama‘s “IMO” podcast, the WNBA superstar got candid about relationships. Speaking with the former First Lady of the United States, Reese explained why she believes some men may struggle being with a woman who “has her own.”
Angel Reese And Michelle Obama Discuss Being Powerhouse Women In A Male Dominated World
While discussing dating, Reese told Michelle and her co-host, Craig Robinson, that she doesn’t believe some can handle being in relationships with women who are as successful, if not more successful than they are.
“I think a lot of men are not able to,” she said, adding, “I think it’s hard. I think it takes a strong man to be able to be open to a woman who has her own, works on her own, does her own things, and doesn’t necessarily need you.”
Michelle, who authored the best-selling memoir “Becoming,” emphasized Reese’s point before adding that successful women can’t cater to their partners as past generations did.
“You’ve got your own pathway, and it is a difficult thing,” Michelle said, adding that her husband, Barack, had to be OK with who she was before they tied the knot.
Angel Reese Gets Real About Struggles Of Becoming A Millionaire At 20
Indeed, Reese has her own. According to a previous report by The Blast, the former Chicago Sky star earned over $9 million in 2025, making her the highest-paid Black woman in professional basketball.
Reese’s growing bank account is thanks to her brand deals with Beats by Dre, Reebok, and Reese’s. In the past, the 23-year-old opened up about being blessed with “financial freedom.”
However, managing millions hasn’t always been easy for the LSU alum. “I got money so fast I didn’t know what to do with it,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh sh-t, I’m a millionaire at 20?’ They do not teach you how to file taxes at school.”
Reese is fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive crew, including her mom, Angel, her grandmother, and her brother, Washington Wizards player Julian Reese.
Reese added, “My grandmother would tell me to save money for a rainy day, but really, I’m the first in my family to have this kind of financial freedom.”
Michelle Obama Praises Angel Reese During Vulnerable Conversation On Podcast
At the beginning of the podcast episode, Michelle spoke highly of Reese, who not only began her third season with the Atlanta Dream but also became the first WNBA player to star in a Victoria’s Secret campaign, praising her for what she’s accomplished both on and off the court.
“You are handling yourself beautifully,” Michelle said. “It’s not just what you do, it’s the way you carry yourself.” Michelle added, “It is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face, with an excellent attitude.”
Reese Is Making Over $300,000 This WNBA Season
This WNBA season is all about new beginnings for Reese. According to The Blast, Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026, just days after a new CBA was signed.
In addition to securing new teammates, Reese (and every other WNBA player) is seeing a significant pay raise. Last year, Reese earned just shy of $75,000. This year, she’ll bring in over $350,000, according to SportRac.
The new WNBA season will begin in early May 2026, and Reese is already looking forward to getting her roots planted in the Peach State.
“It’s literally a dream come true,” Reese said. “I’m really grateful to be part of an organization that, one, really cares about their players as you can tell.”
“I’m just really grateful for everything,” she continued. “I’m soaking it all up. I know the people will come out and support us. The culture here is phenomenal.”
Why Did Reese Want Out Of Chicago?
For those who may be unfamiliar, Reese signed with Chicago in 2024; however, she recently revealed that she wanted out of the Windy City to play for a team with which she was more aligned.
“I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better,” Reese said.
