Angel Reese finished the night against the Washington Mystics with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the Sky lost 79-72. The loss marked Chicago’s eighth in the past 11 games and another setback in Commissioner’s Cup play.
Despite the result, Reese stayed at the center of conversation for both her performance and her continued off-court presence.
Angel Reese Doubles Down on ‘Bayou Barbie’ Identity With Standout Fashion
Reese arrived at Wintrust Arena Tuesday night dressed in full pink and fully in control of her image. The Chicago Sky forward posted an Instagram story, and captioned it “the real one & only BARBIE,” continuing to welcome the nickname that has followed her since college.
Reese first adopted the “Bayou Barbie” nickname during her time at LSU. In an interview with Sports Illustrated in May 2023, she said the term came from a Tigers fan and quickly stuck.
“The name Bayou Barbie came from a fan in Baton Rouge. She just called me the Bayou Barbie, and my mom heard it and we just ran with it,” Reese said. “It kind of fits me. I’m in Baton Rouge, which is the bayou, and then the Barbie part is my nails, lashes, hair [which are] always done on the court.”
That identity has followed her into the WNBA. On Tuesday, she arrived in a pink Dior sweater, beige miniskirt, pink heels, and braided pigtails. It was a near replica of the look she wore against the Connecticut Sun two days earlier, when Bria Hartley pulled her hair during the game. Reese kept her composure that night and helped Chicago win 78-66.
Even in a loss against Washington, Angel Reese continued to build on her strong second season. She now averages 11.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, reflecting her growing impact despite the Sky’s current struggles.
Reese Opens Oakwood Beach Court in Chicago Through Partnership with Cash App
Outside of the league, Reese extended her reach this week by unveiling a renovated outdoor basketball court in Chicago’s Oakwood Beach neighborhood. The project was developed in collaboration with Cash App and nonprofit group Project Backboard. Reese’s Angel C. Reese Foundation also participated in the launch, supporting its mission to increase access to education, sports, and financial literacy.
“New court in Chicago! I am so blessed to be able to do this in a second city that I can now call HOME!” Reese wrote on X. “Make sure you stop by and tag me in pics when you’re in the CHI! Thank you @CashApp THIS LOOKS UNREALLLLLL🔥”
New court in Chicago!
So blessed to able to do this in a second city that I can now call HOME! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/jpunEDnmr0— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) June 18, 2025
Catherine Ferdon, Chief Marketing Officer at Cash App, praised Reese’s involvement, stating that she “transcends basketball” and represents the type of leadership the company looks to support.
For the Sky, the 3-8 start has raised concerns, but Reese’s off-court impact continues to bring attention to the team. The Oakwood Beach court is another tangible part of her growing legacy.
