Angel Reese, the LSU women’s basketball top player, has finalized a name, image, and likeness deal with Reebok and will serve as the latest brand ambassador for the company. This comes shortly after Shaquille O’Neal was named president of Reebok Basketball, marking his biggest first endorsement contract as president.
Explaining the origin of the partnership, Reese disclosed, “Well, it started off by talking to Shaq and understanding the values that align with the brand.”
“As a former athlete, now that he’s just been announced as their President of Basketball, that is inspirational to me, just 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. I would love to do that one day,” she said, according to Fox Business.
Reese is now Reebok’s first major NIL signing, as reported by the Baltimore Banner. The 21-year-old expressed her enthusiasm for the contract, highlighting her delight at working with a fellow LSU legend like O’Neal. “It feels great; Shaq is so much fun! I love him, and he’s been super supportive to me and everything I’ve done.”
“Even if I didn’t work with Reebok, he’d still support me, and our relationship has always been amazing. Everything is just so much fun, and what player wouldn’t want feedback from one of the best bigs of all time!?”
Reebok made the announcement in addition to releasing the Reese collection of sneakers and sportswear. O’Neal in turn welcomed the LSU star to the team, saying, “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.”
Reese will be featured in campaigns, including one for her line that is scheduled to launch in 2024, according to Girls United. Additionally, Reese and Reebok will collaborate to assist the Angel C. Reese Foundation, a project devoted to empowering women and girls through financial literacy, education, and sports.
Reese is hopeful that this endeavor will lead to opportunities for a future class of student-athletes.
“I want girls everywhere to have hope that you can do these things if you put your mind to it. Stand strong on who you are and not stay within a box,” she remarked.
Currently, Reese is among the most widely recognized college basketball players. She assisted LSU in defeating Iowa and Caitlin Clark in the championship game earlier this year.