Angel Reese Is the First Female Athlete Signed to Reebok

Louisiana State University (LSU) champion Angel Reese has been navigating herself as a renowned basketball player with numerous opportunities. She recently featured in Latto’s Put It On Da Floor music video with Cardi B. Now, she became the first athlete to be signed by Reebok for an endorsement deal, chosen by Reebok’s Basketball President Shaquille O’Neal himself.

Both native basketball players at LSU, O’Neal and Reese now have more to celebrate as they take a huge win by advocating for basketball representation through Reebok. This is the company’s first long-term name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnership.

“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT. There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese.” – President of Reebok Basketball @SHAQ https://t.co/1zy7nxro3s pic.twitter.com/YchQUUBcu3

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) October 17, 2023

“Outside of announcing Shaq in a management role, this is our first move into basketball. Our first move isn’t a male NBA player, it’s a women’s college player. It’s a big statement about how we’re looking at the landscape,” Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky explained. “Also, it’s a statement about the type of personality we’re looking for. She’s irreverent, she’s got this love me or hate me attitude, she’s very strong-willed. She’s also obviously as influential off the court as she is on the court.”

“This is the profile, male or female, of the type of basketball player we want to be in business with.” He continued.

On the company’s website, the Angel Reese collection is available for purchase. Customers can now buy shirts, shoes, track pants, jackets, and many more. The website includes an interview with Reese, discussing her relationship with O’Neal, and career goals.

Reese stated in the interview, “Well, it started off by talking to Shaq and understanding the values that align with the brand. As a former athlete, now that he’s just been announced as their President of Basketball it is inspirational to me, just being able to see an athlete or former athlete shift from not just being an athlete, but being the President of the brand is something that’s important. I would love to do that one day.”

She continued to share her excitement about working alongside O’Neal, “It feels great, Shaq is so much fun! I love him, and he’s been super supportive of me and everything I’ve done. Even if I didn’t work with Reebok he’d still support me, and our relationship has always been amazing. Everything is just so much fun, and what player wouldn’t want feedback from one of the best bigs of all time!?”