Once upon a time Angel Reese was being described as the newest bully entering the WNBA. All because of competitiveness and media fueled non-existent beef.
The so-called “beef” between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark started during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, when Reese taunted Clark in the final minutes by doing John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture and pointing to her ring finger, signaling LSU’s championship win.
The moment went viral because Clark had previously done the same gesture in earlier games but was praised for it, while Reese, a Black player, faced heavy criticism, sparking debates about race and media bias in sports.
Many felt the backlash against Reese exposed a double standard in how competitive behavior is perceived based on race and gender. Reese defended herself, stating that she was simply being competitive and wasn’t afraid to be herself, while Clark later dismissed the controversy, saying she didn’t feel disrespected, and that trash talk was just part of the game. Despite the media hyping it up as a rivalry, both players have downplayed any actual tension, but their competitive dynamic has undeniably elevated interest in women’s basketball, breaking viewership records and fueling conversations about how female athletes, particularly Black women, are portrayed in sports.
Since then, Angel Reese has been a breaking force as the newest WNBA player. Not just for her skills on the court but also for she has been able to utilize her brand outside of the WNBA.
Over the last year and a half, Angel has spread her wings and built a brand for herself. Creating Y2K, Reese Pieces inspired clothing and items ranging from clothing, hats, mugs, etc. A website entirely devoted to everything angel Reese inspired.
One of her biggest accomplishments is becoming the first college athlete to collaborate with huge name brands such as Dick Sporting Goods and Reebok. These are billion-dollar brands that have been crucial in the sports apparel industry. Her most recent collaboration as of January 2025, has been a McDonald’s deal, an opportunity that Reese described as her “biggest dream”. This dream has in fact become a huge deal as she continues to break barriers for the WNBA as Reese will become the first-ever women’s basketball player to lend her name to a signature McDonald’s meal deal.
Angel Reese’s expansion beyond basketball is more than just a personal victory, it’s a game-changer for the WNBA, a league that has long been overlooked and undervalued in the sports world. Her growing influence off the court not only elevates her own brand but also shines a much-needed spotlight on women’s basketball, proving that its athletes are just as marketable and impactful as their male counterparts.
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