Angel Reese Rejuvenates Allen Iverson’s Legacy Through Ties With $2.5 Billion Worth Brand

Good sneakers often make a part of a top player. From Kobe Bryant’s Nike sneakers to Michael Jordan’s iconic Jordan sneakers, the basketball community introduced a wide variety of sporting pairs to the world, and with Angel Reese’s latest endorsement deal, it has continued. The WNBA rookie and former NCAA sensation recently brought forth NBA icon Allen Iverson’s legacy with her Reebok sneakers, speaking at length about wearing the coveted shoes. 

Reese was present in an interview a few days after her team was defeated in their season opener against the Dallas Wings. Speaking of her game, the 22-year-old was also spotted in one of Allen Iverson’s Reebok collections. The snippet for the same was posted on SeeHendo’s YouTube channel on Thursday. The 2024 7th overall pick was asked about donning those shoes and she happily gave her opinion.

“I’m so with Reebok. So we got a lot of special things coming. Being able to re… re-up the brand. And being able to bring things back, I mean, they done a great job obviously on… AI and Shaq, as you know so. So just being me able to keep continuing to wear these things. A lot of people buying the shoes, a lot of people bringing Reebok back so that’s… that’s what I’m here for. I know my platform. So being able to do that. I’m… I’m using that to my advantage,” Reese stated.

For Reese’s debut, the 22-year-old wore specially crafted shoes from Reebok. She got exclusively made Reebok Solution Low, which is a part of Iverson’s line. Notably, in 2001, Iverson had signed a lifetime contract with Reebok when he reached the NBA Finals, where he would receive $800,000 yearly. A little over two decades later, the NBA star was made the Vice President of Reebok’s Basketball Operations in hopes of bringing it back to the league in top form. Therefore, Iverson has been a central figure for the $2.5 Billion worth sporting brand.

Similarly, Reese inked a multi-year deal with Reebok in October 2023 as NBA legend and Reebok’s President of Basketball Operations Shaquille O’Neal‘s first marquee signing. Her deal came at a time when Reebok was looking to change its long-term plans and Shaq got Reese into the company to make the most of her fan following. Since then Reese, who calls Shaq her uncle, has given her all to the brand and the donning of Allen Iverson’s pair during her debut is a testament to the same fact. Reese is not only endorsing Reebok but also holistically invested in its growth.

Angel Reese puts her all into Reebok

When Angel Reese signed the contract late last year, she secured a section dedicated to her in the online store. She is also set to launch her own collection in 2024. Other than that, Reese will also provide her valuable opinions on product design. Thus, she is helping Reebok make a comeback and seize a considerable portion of the market with her branding aptitude.

“I wanted to be a priority ’cause I could have signed easily with Nike,” Reese said on signing with Reebok. “I could have signed easily with Jordan. But like everybody doing that. I don’t like doing what everybody do… I’m bringing Reebok back.” Further highlighting the brand’s lack of women’s basketball representation and her closer relationship with Shaq as the reasons for her choosing the brand, Reese revealed that the opportunity to let her creative direction shine due to the rebranding was an important factor. “I want people wearing my shoes,” she remarked.

Reebok was once a leading brand of apparel for the NBA and held a significant global market. For about a decade, it was the official outfitter for 29 NBA and 16 WNBA teams. But since the decline has been significant in recent years, Shaq and AI have set on a path to bring it back and they couldn’t have found a better partner in Reese.