Angel Reese’s NIL Value Is Flourishing In The WNBA

Celebrities often capitalize on their fame by working with brands to help market their products or services. Since 2021, student-athletes have been able to do the same through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Through several endorsements, Baltimore’s own Angel Reese’s NIL value soared to $1.8 million, according to reports.

Reese has been strategic about reinforcing her salary through collaboration. “Everybody knows the WNBA doesn’t make that much money, so I just want to be able to grow my brand as much as I can in college before I go to the WNBA,” she told Sports Illustratedin a 2023 interview.“I’ve done so many photo shoots. I’ve done so many commercials. Being able to pitch those things with the team I have now is going to help me when I graduate and decide to go to the WNBA.”

This year, the 6’3″ forward was the seventh overall pick during the WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. “I mean, being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing,” Reese told USA Today, “I think it’s a plus for me.”

According to ON3, Reese has landed deals with companies including Goldman Sachs, Beats by Dre, Tampax, Reebok, AirBnb, Playstation, and Amazon.

“I love that the brands want to work with us and continue to want to work with us,” Reese shared withVIBE. “I want people to know the deals don’t stop in college. When you go to the pros, they continue, and I feel like they’ve even grown even more.”

As of May, the “Chi-Town Barbie” became a professional sports team owner and the first member of an ownership group of the women’s soccer team, DC Power Football Club. “I want to help grow women’s sports and elevate female athletes across the board,” Reese said in a statement. “We’re taking over, and I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community.”

Already making waves, in June, Reese and teammate Kamilla Cardoso became the WNBA’s first set of rookie teammates to register 15+ points and 10+ rebounds in the same game since 1998. 

This month, Reese was announced to be one of two rookies to represent Team WNBA in the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Team WNBA will face off against Team USA on Saturday, July 20. Only three players from the Sky have been named an All-Star in their first season, the last being in 2013.

Angel Reese’s NIL value relies on solid relationships and professional success. With her business savvy, she will keep prospering on and off the court.