Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has quickly made a name for herself during the 2024 WNBA season, breaking records and gaining attention both on and off the court. Known for her rebounding skills, Reese has now capitalized on a viral nickname by launching official merchandise featuring the trademarked phrase “Mebounds.”
During her rookie season, Reese set a WNBA record for most rebounds by a rookie with 446 and earned a spot as a WNBA All-Star. Despite this success, some fans have criticized her offensive play, arguing that many of her rebounds come from her own missed shots. This recurring joke caught on through social media and broadcasts, particularly popularized by Brandon “Bishop B Hen” Hendricks on Jeff Teague’s Club 520 show, who dubbed the rebounds “Mebounds.”
Instead of ignoring or resisting the nickname, Reese embraced it. She successfully trademarked “Mebounds” as the phrase grew in popularity and announced on her Instagram Story that she was releasing merchandise under this brand. Among the items is the
“Angel Reese Mebounds Trademark Crop Top,”
which features the bold printed phrase along with a detailed trademark description and ownership information credited to Angel Reese LLC. This crop top is priced at $35 on her official site.
Fans’ opinions on Reese capitalizing on the joke may vary, but her business move demonstrates savvy marketing. By taking a phrase initially used to mock her and turning it into a profitable brand, Reese has demonstrated an ability to reshape public perception and generate income from a viral trend. This approach mirrors a strategy used decades ago by former NFL player Brian Bosworth, who turned negative fan reactions into merchandise sales with his “Ban the Boz” shirts, ultimately using proceeds for charity.
Looking ahead, Reese and the Chicago Sky, who hold a 4-10 record this season, will face the Golden State Valkyries, currently 7-7, at the Chase Center. The game is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ION, giving fans another chance to see Reese’s performance and perhaps more Mebounds moments on the court.