Angel Reese walked into that press conference on Wednesday with tears in her eyes. Not from sadness, but from pure gratitude. The kid from Baltimore had just become the face of Reebok, launching her first signature shoe collection while simultaneously landing the cover of NBA 2K26. Two massive milestones in one day, but Reese never forgot where she came from.
What Makes Angel Reese’s Signature Shoe Deal So Historic?
WNBA sensation Reese officially became the face of Reebok when the company launched her first signature collection, the Reebok Angel Reese 1, on Wednesday. With this achievement, she joins an exclusive club as the fifth active WNBA star to have signature shoes of her own.
The historical significance runs deeper than just the number. Reese is only the second player in the league’s history to receive her own signature line from Reebok, following Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo. Lobo wore her debut model during the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 season, making Reese’s partnership a bridge between the league’s past and future.
The journey to this moment required hard work, perseverance, and patience. Through it all, Reese never forgot her humble beginnings.
While speaking with the media, Reese had an emotionally overwhelming gleam in her eyes as she explained the inspiration behind her shoe line. Her roots drove every aspect of the design and messaging.
“I’m from Baltimore. It’s not easy coming from Baltimore, just being able to make it out, making diamonds from nothing. I didn’t come from money. I grew up with just me, my mom, and my brother. My mom made a lot of sacrifices for us, so just being able to be here today, I’m super grateful,” she said.
Angel Reese on “Diamonds Require Pressure,” one of the powerful themes behind her new signature shoe:
“I’m from Baltimore. It’s not easy coming from Baltimore—just being able to make it out, making diamonds from nothing. I didn’t come from money. I grew up with just me, my mom,… pic.twitter.com/HfW2sPLazG
— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) July 9, 2025
The Angel Reese 1 shoes feature a beautiful “diamond dust” colorway, perfectly matching the story and inspiration behind the 23-year-old superstar. The timing couldn’t be better either, as they’re hitting the market just before her second WNBA All-Star appearance on July 19 in Indianapolis.
Reese took to Twitter to officially announce the shoes herself, writing, “Just a kid from Baltimore, turning dreams into reality and hoping I can inspire young women and men everywhere to do the same. The most brilliant diamonds take pressure, polish, and time. Reebok is back, and the diamonds are shining brighter than ever.”
Diamond Dust.
Just a kid from Baltimore, turning dreams into reality and hoping I can inspire young women and men everywhere to do the same.
The most brilliant diamonds take pressure, polish, and time. Reebok is back—and the diamonds are shining brighter than ever. @Reebok pic.twitter.com/c0UUJJGLaJ
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 9, 2025
What Other Major Achievement Did Reese Accomplish on Wednesday?
Wednesday proved to be a career-defining day for Reese. Beyond crushing the Dallas Wings and launching her signature shoe, she also became the cover athlete for the WNBA edition of the NBA 2K26 video game.
The video game network made the official announcement on X, unveiling Reese in action on the cover. An enthusiastic Reese quickly showed her gratitude, writing “COVERGIRL. THANK YOU”.
COVERGIRL. THANK YOU @nba2k 🥺❤️ https://t.co/pLZprHSvdC
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 9, 2025
This achievement places Reese among elite company. The feat has only been accomplished by A’Ja Wilson, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, and Candace Parker. Parker was the first WNBA star to appear on an NBA 2K cover in the 2022 version.
This marks Reese’s second year in the league, and the number of collaborations and achievements she’s accumulated speaks to her inner strength, wisdom, and hunger for success. Even though she didn’t win the Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, she definitely won people’s hearts.
