Reebok, LSU Star Angel Reese Announce First-of-Its-Kind Deal
LSU superstar Angel Reese has signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Reebok. Reese is the shoe giant’s first NIL signing, and this is the first deal executed under Shaquille O’Neal, the brand’s new president of basketball. The deal was officially announced Tuesday morning.
The Tigers forward is a rising star in the industry, having recently won the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament and netted the Most Outstanding Player trophy at the competition’s April event. Also this year, Reese was also voted a first-time All-American and first-team All-SEC.
“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.”
Prior to Reebok’s announcement, Reese had already secured over $1 million in NIL deals. She’s also trademarked her nickname “Bayou Barbie.” Reese is such a star on LSU’s campus that she’s forced to take online classes to avoid being swarmed by fans.
After appearing on the cover of SI Swim this year, Sports Illustrated profiled Reese along with LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne. The outlet praised the two women for being at the forefront of college athletes capitalizing on lucrative NIL contracts.
“Everybody knows the WNBA doesn’t make that much money,” Reese told SI at the time, “so I just want to be able to grow my brand as much as I can in college before I go to the WNBA.”
