Since Angel Reese moved to LSU, she has been building a brand for herself. The Maryland native has become one of the most well-known women athletes all over the world, and has used her fame to bring attention to the WNBA.
One of the benefits of all that fame was when she lined up endorsement deals right from her college days. Reebok President, Shaquille O’Neal, himself is an LSU alum, struck up a bond with the then NCAA champion.
He has become her mentor and guide, and has been instrumental in helping her create new avenues to generate income. Most importantly, he made Reese Reebok’s first women’s basketball athlete since the company left Adidas’ umbrella.
One of the goals for the company was to tap into the 6′ 3″ forward’s fame and then sign a signature deal based on how she progresses in the WNBA. After last season’s performances, the sports apparel giant knew Angel Reese was their best bet forward.
Soon, they announced a deal that extended their existing contract over several years, and at the same time, confirmed they would release a signature line. After her apparel released last year, her signature shoe has finally made its debut.
The Vibe Check crew is loving the versatility of Angel Reese's new shoe
— espnW (@espnW) July 9, 2025
⭐Stream Vibe Check exclusively on @DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/WouTNsRqyv
Even though it will be 2026 until the ‘Angel Reese 1’ becomes available for the public, the Sky star wore it in their game against the Dallas Wings. This launch created some buzz, and the cast of ESPN’s Vibe Check were swooning over the versatility of this shoe.
They revealed that outside of Michael Jordan‘s famous Air Jordan’s, the AR1 might be the only basketball shoe women can wear casually. This approach is unique as other shoes are not as versatile. This move to emulate the $7 billion Jordan brand could help propel Reebok back into becoming a household name.
The theme behind the Angel Reese 1 was coined as ‘Diamonds Require Pressure’. Literally it means to create something precious, a lot of hard work will have to go into it. Reporters before the game asked Reese to define the theme in her own words.
I’m from Baltimore. It’s not easy coming from Baltimore—just being able to make it out, making diamonds from nothing. I didn’t come from money. I grew up with just me, my mom, and my brother. My mom made a lot of sacrifices for us, so just being able to be here today, I’m super grateful.
Angel Reese said
Angel Reese on “Diamonds Require Pressure,” one of the powerful themes behind her new signature shoe:
— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) July 9, 2025
“I’m from Baltimore. It’s not easy coming from Baltimore—just being able to make it out, making diamonds from nothing. I didn’t come from money. I grew up with just me, my mom,… pic.twitter.com/HfW2sPLazG
The 23-year-old understands she is in a higher state of life, but is grateful for all the sacrifices her mother made to help her get there. This signature line, along with all her stellar endorsement deals are a result of all the hard work the Chicago Sky has put in over the past few years.
Last season, Angel Reese set several records as a post player. This season, her head coach challenged her to expand her game. The idea was to move away from the usual, i.e., tall players play in the post. So far she has been doing a good job about it and reporters asked if she was enjoying her new role.
I do enjoy it, yeah. It’s like that unicorn. The Satou’s (Sabally) of the world, the Jokic’s of the world, the Giannis’ of the world. Just being able to be that, and be that new norm. So just continue to work and grind and do whatever it takes.
Angel Reese said to reporters
It seems Angel Reese was asked by head coach Tyler Marsh to study the playing styles of 3 specific players. One, is in the WNBA itself in the form of Satou Sabally. Along with that, Reese is looking to emulate 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic and 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Angel said she’s working to reach unicorn status like @satou_sabally @Giannis_An34 and Jokic . #Respect . pic.twitter.com/7Tu17VTxFq
— Swift (@Goodfella_100) July 9, 2025
They all rebound well, score well near the rim, but also can defend at a high rate and pass the ball exceptionally well. The Sky star has already drastically improved on her passing statistics over these past few games. Therefore, she could be a unicorn in the league down the line.
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