Angel Reese signed a name, image and likeness deal with the sports retailer Reebok, the company announced Tuesday. The partnership further cements the LSU star’s status as the top NIL earner in women’s college basketball. It also marks Reebok’s first deal with a student-athlete and the first signing since Shaquille O’Neal’s appointment as President of Basketball.
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“I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid,” Angel Reese said. “It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation. Together, I think we have a great opportunity to do things differently, to inspire people to explore and express themselves unapologetically, and to show them how to look and feel good while doing it.”
Today, Reebok made available a limited-edition celebratory tee, and Reese’s first curated collection on the retailer’s website. The basketball star will be featured in campaigns for lifestyle and performance products, and will work with Reebok’s product team for future designs and innovations, according to Sports Illustrated.
Reese will have her own collection, which is set to launch in Fall/Winter 2024. The company will also work with her to support her recently launched Angel C. Reese Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering girls and women through sports, education and financial literacy.
The basketball star says she is being inspired by O’Neal new role at Reebok for her own career.
“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,” she told Reebok. “I would love to do that one day.”
Reese also noted O’Neal’s ongoing support and advice throughout her collegiate career. He had referred to her as one of the greatest athletes to come out of LSU Sports after she helped her team secure a championship victory last April.
O’Neal also attended LSU and starred as a center on the basketball team. He signed with Reebok in 1992 and launched the company’s first-ever signature shoe, the Shaq Attaq, according to Boardroom. O’Neal says Reese is ushering in the new generation in basketball at Reebok.
“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,” he said. “Angel is shaking up the space, just like Reebok has done all along. I’m proud to welcome Angel into the Reebok family and can’t wait to see how she will bring the brand’s legacy to the next generation.”
