Angel Reese Is Turning Haters Into Hustle: The “MeBounds” Empire and the WNBA’s New Era of Star Power

While the WNBA Finals rage on between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, the rest of the league has entered the offseason. But for some players, the break doesn’t mean rest — it means opportunity.

For Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, the offseason is less about traveling overseas for extra paychecks and more about building an empire. With a brand presence that rivals some of the biggest names in women’s sports, Reese is proving that she’s not just dominating the boards — she’s cashing them in.

Angel Reese: From Court Star to Cultural Icon

Reese has rapidly become one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA, known as much for her confidence and charisma as for her record-setting rebounding. According to Forbes (June 2025), Reese ranks among the league’s top earners in endorsement revenue, with partnerships that include Reebok, Beats by Dre, McDonald’s, Amazon, PlayStation, and Reese’s.

Unlike many WNBA players who compete overseas during the offseason to supplement their income, Reese’s off-court ventures generate enough to keep her stateside. “She’s redefining what financial independence looks like for women’s basketball players,” wrote ESPN analyst Monica McNutt, noting that Reese’s appeal “bridges basketball, fashion, and social media culture” (ESPN, 2025).

“MeBounds”: Turning Criticism Into Currency

Reese has always been a lightning rod for attention. During her college years at LSU — where she led the Tigers to their first national championship in 2023 — critics accused her of “stat-padding” by grabbing her own missed shots. Online trolls even coined the term “MeBounds.”

Instead of shying away from the nickname, Reese trademarked it. “They tried to clown me,” she laughed on the first episode of Season 2 of her Unapologetically Angel podcast. “So what did I do? I made a bag off it. Six figures-plus, thank you.” (NBC Sports, 2025)

Her “MeBounds” apparel line, launched in June, sold out quickly, featuring T-shirts, hoodies, and trucker hats emblazoned with the slogan. The move showcased not only her business instincts but her ability to turn social media criticism into brand power — a strategy similar to what Forbes calls “the athlete-influencer evolution,” where authenticity fuels profit.

Reebok Partnership and Shoe Launch Sell-Out Success

In July, during the WNBA All-Star Game, Reese unveiled a special pink “MeBounds” colorway of her first signature Reebok basketball shoe. The design — bold, confident, and unmistakably her — was part of her broader partnership with Reebok’s President of Basketball, Shaquille O’Neal, who personally signed her in 2023 (USA Today, 2024).

When the shoe officially launched on September 18, 2025, fans snapped it up within 30 minutes. All three colorways — MeBounds, Diamond Dust, and Receipts Ready — sold out in multiple sizes, proving Reese’s crossover appeal and cultural influence.

“I’m in full tears right now,” Reese posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Thank you to everyone who believes in me.”

Marketing experts at The Athletic noted that Reese’s grassroots promotion — teasing designs and behind-the-scenes videos for two months — helped drive massive anticipation before release. “She’s mastered brand storytelling,” the outlet wrote. “Reese isn’t just selling shoes; she’s selling attitude and identity.” (The Athletic, 2025)

A Complicated Offseason for the Sky Star

Despite her commercial success, Reese’s on-court future in Chicago is uncertain. Following a late-season injury and a brief team suspension due to “internal matters,” tensions reportedly rose between the forward and the Sky organization (Chicago Tribune, Sept. 2025). Reese had also been publicly critical of the team’s communication and leadership.

Although she remains under contract for two more seasons, league insiders told ESPN that Chicago might explore trade options this winter. Still, both sides have expressed openness to reconciliation — recognizing that Reese’s talent and marketability are vital assets for a rebuilding franchise.

What’s Next: “Unrivaled” and Beyond

While her WNBA future unfolds, Reese is already preparing to hit the court again — this time in Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The upstart competition, which debuted in 2024, aims to give women players more financial and creative control during the offseason. Reese’s team, Rose BC, won the inaugural championship last season, and she’s expected to return for Season 2 in early 2026 (Bleacher Report, 2025).

As NBC Sports put it, “Angel Reese isn’t waiting for the world to hand her opportunities — she’s building them herself.”

From being nicknamed “Bayou Barbie” at LSU to becoming a brand mogul before age 25, Reese’s story reflects a broader shift in women’s sports — one where athletes are claiming ownership of their image, voice, and value.

The Bottom Line

In just two professional seasons, Angel Reese has proven that her game — and her grind — extend far beyond the paint. With the “MeBounds” trademark, her Reebok deal, and her growing influence across culture and commerce, she’s rewriting the business playbook for female athletes everywhere.

And just like her rebounds, Reese’s rise is proof of persistence: even when others miss the point, she always finds a way to collect what’s hers.