Angel Reese’s rookie season has been nothing short of a roller coaster — but the latest twist could be her most shocking yet.
Just months after signing a highly publicized endorsement deal with Reebok, rumors are swirling that the brand may be reconsidering its partnership with the Washington Mystics forward.
The speculation comes in the wake of a humiliating on-court moment that played out live on national television during the Mystics’ recent loss, sparking heated debate about Reese’s performance and marketability.
During the game, Reese — known for her fiery competitiveness and unapologetic personality — found herself struggling under intense defensive pressure. In one particular play that went viral within minutes, she missed a critical shot, lost her footing, and collided awkwardly with an opponent.
The moment drew a wave of memes, slow-motion replays, and commentary from critics who questioned whether her hype was starting to outweigh her production.
For Reebok, whose deal with Reese was touted as a bold move to align the brand with a rising star in women’s basketball, the optics were less than ideal. The endorsement was positioned as a cornerstone in Reebok’s push to re-enter the basketball market, with Reese representing a fresh, fearless face for the brand.
But in sports marketing, image is everything — and public perception can turn quickly. Social media was flooded with posts mocking Reese’s performance, with some even tagging Reebok directly, suggesting the brand “backed the wrong player.”
The backlash only intensified when sports analysts began questioning her overall impact in the WNBA so far, noting inconsistencies in her play.
While there’s been no official confirmation from Reebok about any changes to the deal, the silence has fueled more speculation. Industry insiders claim that while Reese remains a strong influencer off the court, the company’s top executives are closely watching how she responds to both the criticism and the pressure to perform.
It’s worth noting that Reese’s market appeal remains strong among younger fans, especially on social media, where she boasts millions of followers and a highly engaged audience. However, endorsement deals are ultimately about return on investment — and brands tend to prioritize athletes who deliver consistent highlights and positive press.
If Reebok were to back away, it would be a stunning reversal from the fanfare of the signing, which was celebrated with an elaborate media campaign and positioned Reese as a key part of the brand’s comeback strategy.
For now, the ball is in Reese’s court. With the season still ongoing, she has the opportunity to silence doubters, deliver big performances, and remind everyone — including her sponsors — why she was considered one of the most exciting prospects in the game.
But the incident during the Mystics loss serves as a harsh reminder: in professional sports, reputations can be built in months and questioned in seconds. Angel Reese now faces the challenge of proving that one bad night doesn’t define her career — or her value as a brand ambassador.
