Wendell Carter Jr. Reveals How He Deals With NBA Pressure Amid Angel Reese Romance

The NBA and WNBA power couple are focused on their careers and ignoring the 'white noise' around their relationship.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:40pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of two professional athletes, conveying the passion and intensity of their careers and relationship.The power couple's shared drive and determination to succeed in their respective leagues fuels their relationship and helps them overcome the pressures of fame.Atlanta Today

Orlando Magic player Wendell Carter Jr. recently opened up about how his relationship with WNBA star Angel Reese helps him deal with the pressures of the NBA. The couple, who confirmed their romance last year, say they support each other's careers and try not to pay attention to outside noise about their relationship.

Why it matters

As high-profile athletes, Carter Jr. and Reese face intense scrutiny and pressure, both on and off the court. Their ability to maintain a healthy relationship while staying focused on their professional goals is an inspiring example for other young athletes navigating the challenges of fame and success.

The details

Carter Jr. said he and Reese, who was recently traded to the Atlanta Dream, are 'both competitors' who motivate each other before and after games. They try to avoid paying attention to 'white noise' from the outside and instead focus on 'building their foundation' in their respective leagues. In 2024, Carter Jr. signed a three-year, $59 million contract extension with the Magic, while Reese is set to earn a base salary of $350,692 for the 2026 WNBA season.

  • In May, Carter Jr. attended Reese's 23rd birthday party, sparking romance rumors.
  • A few months later, Carter Jr. confirmed they were 'locked in' and seeing each other.

The players

Wendell Carter Jr.

A player for the Orlando Magic who recently opened up about his relationship with WNBA star Angel Reese and how it helps him deal with the pressures of the NBA.

Angel Reese

A WNBA player who was recently traded to the Atlanta Dream and is in a relationship with Wendell Carter Jr.

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What they’re saying

“We're both competitors. Before games, after games, we tell each other what we should do night in and night out and not to pay too much attention to the outside noise. We call it the white noise.”

— Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic Player

“Try not to pay too much attention to it and just understand that we've already built our foundation in both our leagues and continue to build on it.”

— Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic Player

The takeaway

Carter Jr. and Reese's ability to maintain a healthy relationship while staying focused on their professional goals is an inspiring example for other young athletes navigating the challenges of fame and success. Their commitment to supporting each other and ignoring outside distractions shows the importance of having a strong support system in the high-pressure world of professional sports.