Angel Reese is turning internet criticism into a branding opportunity. On June 14, the Chicago Sky rookie filed to trademark the term “Mebounds,” a phrase originally used by podcast hosts and online trolls to poke fun at her rebounding style.
The nickname was meant to mock Reese for grabbing boards off her own missed shots, but instead of brushing it off, she embraced it. In a TikTok video, she acknowledged the viral chatter, praised the creativity behind the term, and teased potential apparel. A trademark filing under Angel Reese LLC soon followed, signaling her intent to capitalize on the moment.
Angel Reese Embraces Criticism And Flips ‘Mebounds’ Into a Branding Opportunity
The phrase “Mebounds” first emerged during an episode of the “Club 520” podcast, hosted by former NBA player Jeff Teague alongside DJ Wells and Brandon “Bishop B Hen” Hendricks. Hendricks used it jokingly to describe Reese’s offensive rebounds that followed her own missed shots. The term caught fire online, and Reese quickly responded.
In a TikTok video, Reese addressed the trend directly.
“Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate because ‘mebounds,’ rebounds, crebounds… anything that comes off that board, it’s mine,” she said. “And a brand? That’s six figures right there.”
Angel Reese has filed a trademark for the rebound term “Mebounds” 💰
Reese says she ‘loves the trolling’ because it results in ‘good ideas’ from fans 👀 pic.twitter.com/iVo2ZIxJfA
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 16, 2025
The clip went viral, but Reese wasn’t done. A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a screenshot showing that Reese’s legal team filed to trademark “Mebounds” for use on apparel like T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. The application was submitted under the “goods and services” category with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
“The trolling, I love when y’all do it because, like, the ideas be good,” Reese added. “Like, when y’all have to alter my face and [expletive] because I’m cute, alright, whatever. That doesn’t get me. But when y’all came up with ‘mebounds,’ because statistically, all the rebounds that I get aren’t always just mine. They’re, like, the defense’s, too, or somebody else on my team, but, when y’all came up with ‘mebounds,’ y’all ate.”
Reese’s Rebounding Dominance Continues to Fuel Both Criticism and Records
The viral moment comes as Reese continues to post elite rebounding numbers despite growing scrutiny of her offensive game. She’s currently averaging a league-leading 11.9 rebounds per game, while scoring 10.4 points per contest on 35.7% field goal shooting.
TRIPLE-DOUBLE BARBIE 👑
With 11 PTS, 13 REB, and 10 AST 7 minutes into the 4Q, Angel Reese has officially recorded her first career triple-double, and the second triple-double of the season. #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/KECvACl6Os
– WNBA (@WNBA) June 15, 2025
Reese reinforced her rising star status on Sunday with a triple-double performance, posting 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in Chicago’s 78-66 win over the Connecticut Sun. At 23, she became the second-youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double.
Critics may still throw around terms like “stat-padding,” but Reese continues to let her game do the talking. In a tough start to the season for the Sky, she remains a consistent presence. And now, with “Mebounds” turning from a jab into a brand, she’s proving she can win on and off the court.
