Angel Reese’s 22nd birthday was anything but ordinary. On that May morning in Chicago, she was hard at work, practicing with her team, the Chicago Sky, as they prepared for her much-anticipated rookie season in the WNBA. The day’s agenda quickly shifted as she hopped on a private jet to New York City that evening to make her debut at the prestigious Met Gala, where she dazzled in a custom sequined dress designed by 16Arlington. Just 24 hours later, she donned her game uniform and was back on the court, delivering an impressive performance against the New York Liberty, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds, helping her team clinch a resounding victory.
This unique juxtaposition of being fiercely competitive and unapologetically glamorous captures the essence of Angel Reese—a player who is not only a rising star in women’s basketball but also a formidable force in the realm of fashion and brand marketing.
Reese first garnered national attention when she led the Louisiana State University Tigers to their inaugural NCAA championship in April 2023. Two days prior to declaring for the WNBA draft, she starred in a Vogue feature, marking a significant moment in her growing presence in both sports and fashion. Her multifaceted persona embodies a new wave of female athletes who refuse to remain confined to traditional expectations; they aim to expand their commercial value and public appeal.
According to insiders, Reese represents a pivotal moment in the league, where female athletes like her are becoming their own brands, often eclipsing the teams they play for in popularity. As she stated, “When I won the national championship, that’s when everything kind of went through the roof.” Her rapid rise correlates with increased viewership, merchandise sales, and media coverage in women’s sports. In fact, Reese stands as the most followed WNBA player on social media, boasting over 8.2 million followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This strong digital presence provides her with a platform to monetize her image and attract lucrative brand partnerships.
The fact that Reese has turned the WNBA’s pre-game “tunnel walk” into a personal runway show further emphasizes her understanding of branding. With fashion brands such as Balmain and Revolve backing her, she has been able to engage with fans and potential customers in a way that was almost unheard of for female athletes in the past. Her ability to merge her interests in fashion, beauty, and sports lays the groundwork for her burgeoning empire. She stated emphatically, “I make sure my nails, hair, lashes and edges are done, and then I take it to the court.”
However, the financial landscape for WNBA players has been a significant challenge. Reese’s rookie contract with the Chicago Sky is valued at $324,383 over four years, amounting to just $73,500 annually—trivial compared to the millions NBA players earn. Many top WNBA players often supplement their income by playing overseas during the off-season. This disparity reveals why athletes like Reese are capitalizing on opportunities beyond basketball. She argues, “I want to create generational wealth… you have to have so many different income streams beyond basketball because, eventually, basketball does stop.”
Her strategic focus on diversifying income streams and utilizing her platform to drive commercial success stands as a model for aspiring athletes, particularly in light of the NCAA’s recent policy change that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Reese was among the first athletes to fully leverage this change, securing multi-million dollar endorsement deals even before entering the WNBA. This shift has empowered young female athletes to carve out their paths in sports and business.
The rise of Reese also emphasizes a cultural movement in women’s sports. The increasing visibility of female athletes is reinforcing the notion that competitiveness and femininity can coexist. Reese embraces this duality, offering a fresh perspective that challenges the stereotype that athletes should only focus on their sport. Her endeavors illustrate that one can be stylish, influential, and successful both on and off the court.
Reese’s impact has not been universally positive, as she has faced the harsh realities of public scrutiny. Criticism often stems from societal biases and the heavier burden that Black female athletes must navigate, including racism and harsh media portrayals. Nevertheless, Reese remains undeterred, attributing her resilience to her family and upbringing. As she put it, “I’m kind of immune to it now.”
Through her commercial ventures, including her partnership with Reebok, where she is set to release her signature sneaker, and her involvement in DC Power Football Club, Reese is solidifying her status as a multifaceted brand. She aims to elevate women’s basketball, improve conditions for female athletes, and empower the next generation. Living in a world of TikToks and social media, Reese has reshaped how sports and lifestyle brands approach marketing, representing an archetype for future female athletes.
As Reese stated, her purpose extends beyond the basketball court. It revolves around using her voice and platform positively to grow women’s sports. The landscape is shifting thanks to trailblazing athletes like Angel Reese, who exemplify ambition, resilience, and the future of female sports.
Angel Reese is not just breaking records; she is rewriting the rulebook for what it means to be a female athlete in today’s world, making significant strides in both sports and the broader cultural dialogue.
