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Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe interviews Angel Reese after she is selected with the number seven overall pick to the Chicago Sky n the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

'Protecting Her Peace': Angel Reese’s Gear On Dwyane Wade’s Daughter Posted By Gabrielle Union

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 10:14 AM ET

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was given props by Gabrielle Union, wife of NBA legend Dwyane Wade, as their daughter rocked a Reese shirt.

In a story on Instagram, Gabrielle Union posted her daughter, Kaavia James, wearing a printed shirt with Angel Reese branding on it.

“Protecting her peace at all coasts,” she wrote as the story caption.

Angel Reese’s merchandise sales in 2024 were remarkable, as she ranked second in player-specific merchandise sales in the WNBA, just behind Caitlin Clark. The league experienced a 1,000% increase in player-specific merchandise sales compared to the previous year, with Reese’s jerseys and gear contributing significantly to this surge.

More than her official WNBA merch, Reese also has her own line of merch, and oyster NIL deals she has with huge brands like McDonald’s, where she even had her own “Angel Reese meal.”

In October 2024, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, and their daughter Kaavia James appeared as guests on Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel. The episode highlighted their admiration for Reese, who had recently been drafted by the Chicago Sky.

Gabrielle Union shared heartfelt praise for Reese, while Kaavia James charmed listeners with her presence. The podcast episode underscored the Wade family’s support for women’s basketball and their connection to Reese, who has become a rising star in the WNBA.

Mar 31, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese poses for photos after the Sprite Jam Fest at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images

Dwyane Wade’s involvement with the Chicago Sky goes beyond admiration—he is a minority owner of the team. In 2023, Wade joined the Sky’s ownership group, acquiring a stake in the franchise. His investment reflects his commitment to supporting women’s sports and fostering the growth of the WNBA. As a Chicago native, Wade’s connection to the Sky is deeply personal, and his role as a stakeholder has helped elevate the team’s profile and value.

Angel Reese Advocates for Better Pay for WNBA Players

In the past weeks, Angel Reese has been a vocal advocate for better pay in the WNBA, using her platform to highlight the disparities between WNBA and NBA salaries. Reese has pointed out that even rookie contracts in the NBA far exceed the salaries of top WNBA players, underscoring the financial challenges faced by many athletes in the league.

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) grabs a rebound against USA Women’s National Team during the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Her comments on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” have gained significant attention, as she insists that players deserve more and are ready to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes.

Despite facing criticism for her stance, Angel Reese has doubled down on her advocacy, using social media to address misconceptions and reaffirm her commitment to the cause.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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