Why Angel Reese Picked Reebok Signature Sneaker Over Other Brands
Are you also loving all the headlines young female athletes have been snagging up? Because I certainly have. Most recently, the newly drafted WNBA star for the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, is…
Are you also loving all the headlines young female athletes have been snagging up? Because I certainly have. Most recently, the newly drafted WNBA star for the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, is getting her own signature Reebok sneaker line. Some people are wondering why the former LSU star didn't choose Nike. The young basketball player took to social media recently to explain why she picked Reebok.
Why Did Angel Reese Pick Reebok Over Other Brands?
Reese explained in a video that she favored Reebok because they didn’t have a prominent female basketball player as the face of their brand. She said, "So many different shoe companies wanted to work with me. But I chose Reebok. What was it about Reebok? One, they don’t have a women’s basketball player [as] a face. So I wanted to be that."
The basketball player also mentioned that her relationship with Shaq "President of Reebok Basketball" influenced her decision. She also said that Reebok is "rebranding everything" and they’re letting her be the creator "behind everything" she wants to do. "So I’m having my own shoe line coming out, merch with my name on it…Y’all like what I wear, y'all like how I dress, y'all like my style. I wanted to incorporate that into Reebok."
The brand announced the partnership with Reese on Instagram in October. The post said, “Reebok x Angel Reese - She wears a uniform on the court, now see her hand-picked Reebok uniform she sports off the court.” Reese recently confirmed her own signature line to add to the excitement.
The former LSU player told Reebok in a Q&A, "I don't like wearing heels. I like wearing tennis shoes. Reebok has cute tennis shoes I love to wear so that’s great for me!"
The Relationship Between WNBA Players And Signature Sneakers
According to Sole Retriever, a shoe website, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes became the first woman to receive a signature basketball sneaker when she signed with Nike in 1995. Despite this, not much has changed in the years since, with only a dozen female athletes receiving the honor in the history of the WNBA.
According to ESPN's report on the 2022 season, the WNBA has been gaining traction, which experienced a 22 percent rise in viewership compared to the previous season. It marked the most-watched WNBA season in 16 years. Similarly, this year's NCAA Women's Basketball tournament attracted high viewership levels, drawing millions of viewers for the championship game.
Although several women have received signature sneakers in the WNBA's 27-year history, it has been over a decade since a woman received a signature sneaker until just last year. Breanna Stewart's Puma Stewie 1 hit shelves, followed by the release of Elena Delle Donne's Nike Air Deldon. Nike has also announced Sabrina Ionescu's upcoming signature silhouette, the Nike Sabrina 1. Less than a year later, Nike signed Caitlin Clark to an eight-year deal worth $28 million, including plans for a signature model.
7 Celebrities Who Are NBA/WNBA Franchise Owners
Tom Brady is back… in the news. Brady announced yesterday via his social media accounts that he has become a partial owner of the Las Vegas Aces WNBA franchise. The Aces are the 2022 league champions. It turns out there are various celebrities who are NBA/WNBA franchise owners. Needless to say, Brady is joining another competitive group.
"I'm ready to contribute in any way possible as a member of such a great organization. What an honor. I can't wait to watch these amazing talented players bring another championship to Las Vegas. LFG," Brady said in a video posted to his social media accounts.
It's become quite popular for celebrities to claim a piece of professional sports franchises over the past 20 years. While sports such as car racing initially saw the most outside ownership involvement, other arenas like Major League Soccer have recently had an increase in celebrity interest.
All of a sudden, we are now in the height of basketball season. March Madness is in full swing and there are two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season. Furthermore, the WNBA tips off its 2023 activity with the draft on April 10th. With all of these tipoffs in mind, we highlight seven celebrities who are (partial) NBA/WNBA franchise owners across the country, from GOATS, to a Chicago Sky of destiny, and two A-Rods.
Michael Jordan - Charlotte Hornets
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesThough there have been rumors that Jordan is looking to sell the franchise, Jordan has had an ownership stake in Charlotte since they were the Bobcats. He is credited for helping rebrand the team back to the Hornets. Jordan became the majority owner in 2010.
Alex Rodriguez - Minnesota Timberwolves
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesARod and his business partner, Marc Lore, became 20% owners of the Timberwolves in 2021. They will become the official majority owners this year. The deal incudes the Wolves sister team, the Minnesota Lynx.
Michelle Williams - Chicago Sky
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesSinger Michelle Williams became a minority shareholder in the WNBA's Chicago Sky in 2006. She joined forces with Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's father.
Justin Timberlake - Memphis Grizzlies
Isaiah Vazquez/Clarkson Creative/Getty ImagesTimberlake, along with his wife Jessica Biel, are minority owners of the Grizz. Timberlake who has often been spotted courtside at various NBA arenas, is a Memphis native.
Aaron Rodgers - Milwaukee Bucks
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesRodgers may leave the Green Bay Packers, but he is still attached to the state of Wisconsin. He is a minority owner of the 2021 NBA champions.
Usher - Cleveland Cavaliers
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe answer to why was Usher seen celebrating so much when the Cavs won the championship in 2016 is because he is a minority owner of the team. Though the Gilbert family still holds the majority stake, Usher bought in to the organization in 2005.
