Angel Reese is embracing a new nickname ahead of the WNBA Finals

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Angel Reese is embracing a new nickname ahead of the WNBA Finals

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 5:48 PM ET

Angel Reese finally has a new nickname to replace “Chi-Town Barbie.”

The Atlanta Dream star Reese spoke with reporters on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries. During the session, Reese spoke about the recent comments made about her by NBA guard CJ McCollum.

Now playing for the Atlanta Hawks, McCollum praised Reese earlier this week while reacting to the Dream’s WNBA Finals berth. McCollum notably said that, “Atlanta changed when the Queen of the South got here.”

Atlanta Hawks star, CJ McCollum, talks about Angel Reese and the Dream in the finals: “Atlanta changed when the queen of the south got here." https://t.co/8q74A7OWlc
— We Here Now (@AngeShedeway) October 15, 2026

On Friday, Reese embraced her new nickname from McCollum.

“Shoutout to CJ McCollum, I appreciate the love and support,” said Reese. “It is really cool when your men’s team shows love to us and shows a lot of support to us.

“I appreciate the name,” Reese added. “I guess that’s my new nickname. Queen of the South.”

I asked Angel Reese about her new “Queen of the South” nickname from Hawks star CJ McCollum. “It is really cool when you men’s team shows love to you … I guess that’s my new nickname – Queen of the South.” https://t.co/vXnnZQgGFF
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) October 16, 2026

Reese, 24, was the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year this season and averaged a career-high 16.4 points to go along with 12.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Now she is in the WNBA Finals in just her third career season (and first with Atlanta).

The three-time All-Star Reese also played her college ball at LSU (and won a national championship there), giving another fitting layer to the “Queen of the South” moniker. On top of that, Reese has not been afraid to defend her metaphorical crown by confronting any opponent who steps out of line.

More must-reads: