Angel Reese Can Revitalize Reebok with a Signature Sneaker
Why Angel Reese is the perfect player for a signature sneaker line with Reebok.
The clock started ticking after the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the LSU Tigers on Monday night. Tigers center Angel Reese has 48 hours to decide if she will enter the 2024 WNBA Draft, scheduled for April 15. Reese said in her postgame press conference, "I'll make a decision when I'm ready."
As usual, Reese handled the question appropriately and will make a statement after she has had time to cool off from an emotionally and physically draining game. Combine the savvy sidestep of the WNBA-question with her candor about challenges she faced over the past year, and it is easy to understand why so many fans love the unapologetically authentic 21-year-old.
Oh, and because she is an absolute problem on the court. Reese averaged 18.7 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game this season. Her offensive game is still a work in progress, but the 6'3" center possesses a transcendent skillset. Reese routinely wreaks havoc on defense before pushing the ball up the court in transition, like Shaquille O'Neal during his early years with the Orlando Magic.
Speaking of comparisons between O'Neal and Reese, the relationship between the two LSU legends could reshape the sneaker industry. O'Neal was named the President of Reebok Basketball in October 2023. In an interview with FanNation Kicks, O'Neal said he would focus on player development and product partnership.
Less than a week later, O'Neal and Reebok signed Reese to a Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL) deal. Fast forward to February of this year, and Reese was headlining Reebok's 'Not Made to be Subtle' collection.
It is clear that Reebok has high hopes for its partnership with Reese. But a NIL deal is not the same as a signature sneaker deal. Just ask Aaliyah Boston, who starred in a national ad campaign for Under Armour during her time with the South Carolina Gamecocks, only to sign with adidas after the Indiana Fever selected her first in the 2023 WNBA draft.
The WNBA is the latest battleground for sneaker companies as brands are finally realizing that women move sneakers just as good, if not better, than men. New York Liberty teammates Breanna Stewart (PUMA) and Sabrina Ionescu (Nike) both have popular signature sneakers. Meanwhile, other players around the league have their own signature collections and player-exclusive sneakers with brands.
Reebok made a name for itself during the golden age of basketball and sneakers. With larger-than-life personalities and bold sneaker designs, Reebok positioned itself as an irreverent brand that had more fun than its competitors throughout the 1990s.
Reebok signed NFL quarterback Justin Fields to an ambassadorship deal last summer but is without representation in professional basketball. That could and should change with Reese. No player better embodies the rim-rocking ethos of Reebok better than Reese. Whether you love her embarrassing blocked shots or hate her brash demeanor, you cannot ignore Bayou Barbie.
As hard as it is to believe, there was once a time when people doubted that O'Neal could move product (google him). Now is the chance for the Basketball Hall of Famer to take a chance on another promising young player from LSU. Follow FanNation Kicks for all of your most important sneaker news from the sports world.
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