Reese celebrates her NBA 2K cover and Reebok signature shoe.
Angel Reese’s rise in the WNBA has been nothing short of electric, both on the court and off. The Chicago Sky star, who recently broke a league record with five consecutive games tallying 15 or more rebounds, is redefining what it means to be a modern basketball phenomenon.
Over the last ten games, Reese has averaged 15.7 points, 5 assists, and 13.6 rebounds, all while improving her three-point shooting and establishing herself as a true triple-threat. Off the hardwood, her momentum continues to build, with her outspoken personality resonating across basketball and pop culture alike.
Reese’s star status reached new heights when she was announced as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition. Making the moment even more notable, Reese unveiled her first signature shoe with Reebok directly on the game’s cover.
“Of course we do everything BIG. Why not debut my signature shoe on the cover of NBA2K ?!?!” she wrote on X, highlighting her ambition and flair for the spotlight.
Her success with Reebok, however, has sparked a new conversation-one that centers on rival rookie Caitlin Clark and Nike’s sluggishness to launch Clark’s own signature basketball shoe.
Reese’s high-profile footwear debut and aggressive Reebok partnership have put a glaring spotlight on Nike, who, despite Clark’s immense popularity, has yet to officially announce her signature model.
Reebok Makes Its Move
The contrast between Reese’s and Clark’s journeys with their respective brands could not be clearer. After signing with Reebok in October 2023, Angel Reese quickly became the face of the company’s renewed push into women’s basketball.
With Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal as President of Reebok Basketball, the brand handed Reese a central role, offering her leadership in campaigns and rolling out her own footwear and apparel collection.
Her impact was instantly visible, with Reese featured prominently in the “Sport is Everything” campaign and, now, making history on the NBA 2K cover.
Caitlin Clark, by comparison, has been a high-profile Nike athlete since before her WNBA debut. Yet, while she’s been the subject of major ad campaigns, like the enormous JW Marriott mural in Indianapolis and appearances in Nike spots, the company has not capitalized fully on her commercial appeal.
Industry insiders estimate that Clark’s signature shoe could generate as much as $150 million in sales, a potential gold mine for Nike. Yet, the only public hints of a signature line have been rumors and occasional limited-edition releases, leaving fans and analysts alike to question the brand’s strategy.
Nike’s more cautious approach stands in stark contrast to Reebok’s visible investment in Reese, who has been made the centerpiece of the company’s basketball revival. The WNBA’s surging popularity, propelled by rookies like Reese and Clark, means there has never been a better time for brands to act boldly.
As Reebok reaps the rewards of its partnership, Nike’s muted response feels like a missed opportunity.
A Shift in the Landscape of Women’s Basketball Endorsements
Angel Reese is not the first WNBA star to appear on an NBA 2K cover, she follows in the footsteps of legends like Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson, but she is the youngest to ever do so, and the first to unveil her own signature shoe on the cover itself.
Reese acknowledged the significance, saying, “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.
“To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole.
“I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”
This moment is about more than individual achievement, it reflects a shifting dynamic in women’s sports marketing.
Reese’s deal with Reebok and her 2K cover spot have not only bolstered her brand but have also elevated expectations for how major companies treat the new faces of women’s basketball.
Meanwhile, Nike faces mounting pressure from fans and sneaker insiders to deliver for Caitlin Clark. Reports suggest a 2026 launch, but the absence of a concrete announcement is striking, especially considering Clark’s role as one of the most influential athletes in the league.
Angel Reese’s ascent is reshaping the conversation around endorsement, marketing, and representation in the WNBA. Her rapid success with Reebok and NBA 2K sets a new bar for the industry.
Now, Nike’s response to Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe could define the next phase of women’s basketball branding, and fans are eager to see if the company will rise to the occasion.
