Women's College Basketball

LSU Star Angel Reese Becomes First Major NIL Signing For Reebok

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated18 Oct 2023

LSU Womens Basketball Star Angel Reese Becomes First Major NIL Signing For Reebok

LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese signed an endorsement deal with Reebok, becoming the first major NIL signing for the company and the first athlete added since NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal became the president of basketball.

“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT,” O’Neal said. “There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese.”

In an interview with Reebok after her NIL signing, Reese said she spoke with the Hall of Fame center to “[understand] the values that align with the brand.”

Per multiple NCAA women’s basketball betting sites, LSU is the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 championship. Sportsbooks are still showing great odds for UConn, Iowa, and Utah.

“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,” Reese said. “I would love to do that one day.”

During Reese’s junior year, the 6’3″ forward established herself as one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. She averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game for the Tigers.

In the postseason, she was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA Tournament as LSU went on to claim its first national title against Iowa and Caitlin Clark.

LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese is now officially Reebok, Shaquille O’Neal’s first major NIL signing

Reese, 21, is excited to develop her business relationship with the four-time NBA champ. “It feels great; Shaq is so much fun! I love him, and he’s been super supportive to me and everything I’ve done,” she said.

“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?”

Furthermore, Reese and Reebok will collaborate to help the Angel C. Reese Foundation, a project devoted to empowering women and providing “equity for girls and underrepresented groups through innovative and impactful initiatives.”

Reese is optimistic about her foundation’s future in providing opportunities for struggling 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 mentioned.

Entering the 2023-24 NCAA Division I women’s basketball season, Reese is expected to wear her favorite Reebok styles of shoes and athletic apparel during LSU games.

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