Angel Reese forges path as a cultural icon in women’s sports

The GIST: The spotlight might be bright on Caitlin Clark, but Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is also becoming a cultural force — on Monday, she became the first WNBA rookie to make a Met Gala appearance. Reese is uniquely positioned to become a sports and fashion icon, reflecting a moment where women athletes are appreciated for their marketing and trend-setting potential.

The star: Chi-Town Barbie has been quickly embraced by her new city, which fueled outrage when the Sky’s first preseason game was unavailable to stream. Reese has already established herself as a premier influencer and has turned her popularity into paydays as the face of brands like Reebok, a strategy she’s replicated by repping up-and-coming designers.

• She dropped her W draft declaration in Vogue wearing Zankov, stunned on the orange carpet in Bronx and Banco, and wore 16Arlington to the Met. She’s also inspired rap lyrics, appearing in Latto and Cardi B’s “Put It on Da Floor Again.” Coulda went to LSU.

The brands: In addition to her Reebok deal, Reese has repped brands such as Beats By Dre, Tampax, and Mielle, along with posing for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue in 2023. She left LSU with $1.8M in NIL valuation thanks to deals she believes will continue through her W career — Beats and Reebok have already made it clear they’re in it for the long haul.

The takeaway: NBA players often transcend the game to influence culture, but Reese’s ascent is a rare W for women ballers. Clark’s celebrity is rooted in skill, but Reese is known for skill and style, giving her status that goes beyond the game. In a Barbie World.