Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, is openly critical of Angel Reese but could not ignore the cleverness behind her recent trademark of the term “Mebounds.” This move gained attention when Reese, a WNBA star and Chicago Sky player, secured the trademark amid widespread online trolling that mocked her for adding rebounds by collecting her own missed shots. Portnoy praised Reese’s strategy, especially after Reebok revealed her first signature shoe connected to this branding.
The term “Mebounds” emerged from fan banter that criticized Reese’s rebounding style, yet she transformed the negative label into a personal brand asset. This savvy trademark reportedly impressed Portnoy, who favors Caitlin Clark, a prominent college basketball player and Reese’s rival in public discourse. Portnoy expressed his begrudging admiration on social media, recognizing the business acumen behind Reese’s move despite his personal disdain for her.
“I hate (sports sense) Angel Reese. Hate her,” Portnoy wrote. “That’s how much it pains me to admit how brilliant it was for her team to trademark Mebounds and make it her thing. Brilliant. I hate how brilliant it is.”
Angel Reese’s Signature Shoe Launches Ahead of WNBA All-Star Game
The Angel Reese 1 Mebounds shoe is set to debut at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, with Reese already sporting the shoe during the shootaround prior to the event. The release highlights how Reese has turned criticism into an opportunity to capitalize financially and expand her brand. Observers, including former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, anticipate success given Reese’s demonstrated ability to market herself effectively.
This first signature sneaker is a milestone in Reese’s career, marking her emergence as a marketable figure beyond the court. The collaboration with Reebok and the timing with the WNBA All-Star Game amplify exposure, positioning Reese as a leading figure in the league’s evolving commercial landscape.
Joy Taylor’s Controversial Commentary on Reese and Clark’s Rise to Fame
Earlier this month, TV host Joy Taylor sparked debate with her perspective on the rise of Caitlin Clark’s global recognition, attributing much of it to Angel Reese’s influence. Taylor emphasized the importance of narratives in sports, portraying Reese as a villain and Clark as a hero in the public eye. Her view highlighted how the dynamic between the two players has fueled widespread interest in women’s basketball.
“I’m a storyteller. I think storylines are so f******* important and I think you need villains, and I think you need heroes. You need s*** to sell.”
“It upset white men to watch this strong, winning, unapologetic Black woman be in Caitlin’s face. They still cling to it. It’s now spun to this whole thing where Caitlin’s better than Angel and blah, blah, blah.”
Taylor referenced Reese’s viral “You Can’t See Me” celebration against Clark during the 2023 NCAA National Championship game as a key moment that elevated Clark’s fame. She insisted this moment was pivotal in shifting attention toward both athletes, especially Clark.
“We would not be talking about Caitlin Clark the way that we do if it wasn’t for that moment with Angel Reese. I will die on this hill…I will fight this war.”
Dave Portnoy Responds to Joy Taylor’s Perspective
Portnoy responded sharply to Taylor’s claims, dismissing the idea that Reese was already widely known before her association with Clark. Instead, he argued that Reese gained significant recognition largely through her connection with Clark’s growing stardom, a relationship he described as Reese “riding Caitlin’s coattails.” Portnoy criticized Taylor’s analysis as baseless, though he acknowledged Reese’s successful monetization of her newfound fame.
“The dumbest most ridiculous rant of all time,” Portnoy said. “Nobody outside hardcore WNBA fans and LSU fans would know who Angel was it weren’t for her riding Caitlin’s coattails. It’s made her a fortune so kudos to her but this is the dumbest take I’ve ever heard.”
How Reese and Clark Are Shaping Women’s Basketball’s Future
Despite the differing opinions of Portnoy and Taylor, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have become central figures symbolizing a new era for the WNBA and women’s basketball worldwide. Their rivalry and public personas have drawn significant attention and investment to the sport, creating novel opportunities for athletes to leverage social media, branding, and endorsements.
Reese’s business move to trademark “Mebounds” exemplifies how players today are actively controlling their narratives and capitalizing on their influence. As the WNBA continues to grow, the approaches taken by Reese, Clark, and their supporters will likely affect the league’s visibility and commercial success in the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese explained in a TikTok video on Sunday night that she injured her hand when she fell after scoring an and-1. The fall caused a small fracture in her bone. According to the doctors, she can choose whether to have surgery or not.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Additionally, Reese completed her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from LSU in March 2024. Her focus areas included Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This indicates she maintained at least a 2.0 GPA, which is needed to graduate.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Before their last match against the Dallas Wings, where they won 87-76, Angel Reese showed up on the injury list. Reese was marked as questionable because of a leg injury. However, she played, and Chicago coach Tyler Marsh said the injury isn’t serious.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s mom and dad both played basketball in college and professionally, which explains where Angel got her skills from.