Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has created quite the brand for herself.
In just two seasons of playing in the WNBA, off the court, she has picked up sponsorship deals from McDonald’s, PlayStation, and Hershey’s (Reese’s to be exact).
She also turned what was meant to be a dig at her into a reported six-figure brand with her “Mebounds” apparel.
And now, this week comes with another career milestone and big announcement: Reese will become the first-ever athlete to walk the runway at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The WNBA star took to social media on Thursday to announce her next big step in what feels like a lifelong goal.
Reese always stays busy in the offseason with her various business ventures. This move only adds to the work she has put into her brand.
On the court, Reese’s efforts in Season 2 weren’t enough to aid the Chicago Sky in a potential playoff push in 2025. She showed signs of marked improvement, playing in 30 games and averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
The Sky finished with one of the worst records in the league this year, though, at 10-34, and out of 13 teams in the WNBA, Chicago finished 12th.
Reese, who admittedly embraced her “villain role” in the WNBA, will now shift her focus to her endeavors to life outside the WNBA during the offseason. Some expect her to play in Year 2 of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league after winning the league’s inaugural championship last year with Rose BC.
Despite some criticism and pushback from fans about her commitment on the court, the move to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a landmark one for Reese, and another career first she can add to an already impressive (and growing) resume.
Carrying this mantle for women in sports is expected to attract a lot of attention on the night of the show. It’s also expected to open the doors for many other women in professional sports down the road to follow in her footsteps.