The basketball world witnessed another milestone moment as Angel Reese officially joined an exclusive club of WNBA players with their own signature footwear. The Chicago Sky forward’s partnership with Reebok reached its pinnacle Wednesday with the unveiling of the Reebok Angel Reese 1, marking a significant achievement for both the 23-year-old star and the Boston-based athletic brand.
Reese now stands alongside an elite group of just five active WNBA players who have earned the honor of signature shoe deals. Her contemporaries include Breanna Stewart with Puma, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson with Nike, and Jacy Sheldon with HOLO Footwear. This achievement represents more than just athletic prowess; it signals the growing commercial appeal and cultural significance of women’s basketball.
A historic partnership
The timing of this launch proves particularly strategic, arriving just as Reese prepares for her second WNBA All-Star appearance in Indianapolis. The debut model, showcased in the eye-catching “Diamond Dust” colorway, features iridescent hues that reflect both the grit and glamour that define Reese’s playing style.
Reese becomes only the second player in WNBA history to receive a signature shoe from Reebok, following women’s basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo, who wore her debut model during the league’s inaugural 1997 season. This connection to basketball history adds weight to an already significant moment for the Baltimore native.
Beyond the court
The announcement gained additional momentum with Reese’s simultaneous reveal as the cover athlete for the WNBA edition of the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game. The illustrated cover features her digital avatar wearing the new signature shoe, creating a perfect synergy between her athletic achievements and marketing appeal.
This dual announcement strategy demonstrates how modern athletes leverage multiple platforms to maximize their cultural impact. Reese’s presence in the gaming world extends her influence beyond traditional basketball audiences, reaching younger demographics who consume sports content through digital entertainment.
Reebok’s basketball legacy
Reese joins a distinguished lineage of Reebok signature athletes that spans nearly seven decades. The brand’s basketball signature shoe history began with Shaquille O’Neal in 1993, followed by notable names including Shawn Kemp, Allen Iverson, and Yao Ming. O’Neal, who now serves as president of Reebok Basketball since October 2023, personally signed Reese as his first athlete in his executive role.
The complete roster of Reebok signature basketball athletes includes O’Neal, Kemp, Clyde Drexler, Glenn Robinson, Iverson, Lobo, Saudia Roundtree, Steve Francis, Ming, and John Wall. This legacy provides context for the significance of Reese’s achievement and the brand’s commitment to basketball culture.
The perfect match
Reebok’s decision to invest in Reese reflects a broader strategy focused on athletes who transcend their sport. The company’s CEO has emphasized the importance of signing personalities who embrace both on-court excellence and off-court cultural influence. This approach mirrors successful partnerships with transformative figures like O’Neal and Iverson, who changed how basketball players engage with fashion and lifestyle.
Reese’s journey with Reebok began during her senior season at Louisiana State University through a name, image, and likeness deal. The partnership proved mutually beneficial, leading to a multi-year contract extension in October 2024 that specifically included provisions for a signature shoe.
Design and performance
The Angel Reese 1 represents a collaborative design process between the athlete and the brand, emphasizing both performance capabilities and cultural relevance. The shoe aims to function effectively on the court while maintaining street-ready aesthetics that align with modern athlete expectations.
The “Diamond Dust” colorway serves as more than just visual appeal; it embodies Reese’s philosophy about pressure creating brilliance. This messaging resonates with her personal brand and appeals to consumers who view athletic footwear as both functional equipment and lifestyle statement.
As women’s basketball continues its remarkable growth trajectory, partnerships like this signal the sport’s increasing commercial viability and cultural significance. Reese’s signature shoe represents progress not just for her career, but for the entire ecosystem of women’s professional basketball.
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