The popularity of women’s basketball is at an all-time high, with the women’s college game drawing nearly as many viewers as the men’s, and the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA emerging into mainstream sports conversations. Angel Reese WNBA marketing villain status has become a key factor in her rising fame, as she leverages her on-court intensity and off-court personality to attract fans and sponsorships.
While WNBA salaries still lag behind the players‘ true worth—a point highlighted during the recent All-Star Game—many players are increasingly thriving through lucrative endorsement deals. Reese forms a major part of this trend, following closely behind her longtime rival Caitlin Clark, who has secured partnerships with brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm.
Reese and Clark’s rivalry, which began during their college years, has captivated audiences. In the 2023 national championship game, Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85, with Reese drawing widespread attention after a provocative taunt in the final moments. Clark took revenge with a 2024 Elite Eight victory over Reese, extending their competition into the professional ranks, where they have clashed five times, with Clark leading 4-1. Both athletes, along with the WNBA, have benefited from the heightened drama that their rivalry generates.
Angel Reese has secured endorsements with prominent companies like McDonald’s, Hershey, and Beats by Dre. She was also recently announced as the cover athlete for the WNBA Edition of the NBA 2K26 video game, signaling her growing marketability and star status.
How Angel Reese’s Persona Fuels Her Marketing Potential
Bozoma Saint John, former chief marketing officer of Netflix, spoke on the Scorer’s Society podcast about Reese’s marketing future and the critical role her “villain” image could play in her career growth. Saint John emphasized that sports often need clearly defined characters—heroes and villains—to engage fans deeply.
For certain sports, it requires that you create main characters that people can cheer for or that they can make villains,
Saint John said.
It’s like casting a movie where you need all the different players, literal and figurative, to make the thing work.
—Bozoma Saint John, former Netflix CMO
Saint John noted that the WNBA has traditionally faced challenges in promoting distinct personalities due to societal biases and expectations placed on female athletes, unlike the NBA where diverse character portrayals are more common.
It’s easy for Angel Reese to be a villain,
Saint John explained, suggesting Reese fits naturally into this role.
Saint John advocates for Reese to fully embrace this “villain” identity by showcasing a bold and fearless persona both on and off the court. This includes dressing confidently, enjoying social events, expressing passion in competition, and at times, channeling controlled aggression during games.
I think she should go full force, lean all the way in,
Saint John declared.
Wear some little short dresses that she likes to wear, show the body. Be at parties, dance on tables, drink a little bit, get mad on the court, do all of the things. Because you need somebody like that to attract an audience that also feels that.
—Bozoma Saint John, former Netflix CMO
The Importance of Diverse Personalities for the WNBA’s Audience Growth
Saint John believes the WNBA’s expanding popularity depends on a spectrum of compelling personalities, ranging from fan favorites to antagonists, to draw in a broader audience. Caitlin Clark embodies the beloved protagonist archetype, while Reese fills the vital role of the villain, creating a dynamic narrative that captivates fans.
You need Caitlin Clark to be who she is. And then you need to fill in all of these other characters so that the wider audience of sports, and also just of pop culture by the way, are attracted to them. That’s what makes any league or any company, any brand, really live.
—Bozoma Saint John, former Netflix CMO
This approach to storytelling within sports marketing has helped the WNBA gain unprecedented visibility. Reese’s recent improvements on the court also enhance her credibility and the effectiveness of her marketable persona. Unlike role players who adopt villain roles without star power, Reese’s combination of talent and character gives her greater influence and longevity.
Comparisons abound between Reese and well-known NBA figures known for their trash talk and fervent competitiveness, such as Draymond Green, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Edwards. These players use their outspoken personalities alongside high performance, suggesting a model Reese can aspire to for maximum impact.
Adopting such a bold “marketing villain” stance not only elevates Angel Reese’s individual brand but also energizes WNBA fandom, creating a cultural moment that could propel the league forward as it continues to grow in visibility and commercial viability.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a TikTok video posted late Sunday, Reese explained she injured her hand falling and cracked a bone. Doctors advised she could choose to have surgery or not.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Additionally, Reese completed her studies at LSU in March 2024, earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her specializations were in Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This indicates that she achieved a GPA higher than 2.0, which is the minimum needed to graduate.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Angel Reese, who plays forward for the Chicago Sky, can’t play in Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Dream due to a leg injury. Details about how serious the injury is have not been shared.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition since Angel’s parents played during their college years. Her mom even went pro in Luxembourg. “She’s always been independent and taught me to be the same,” Angel mentioned to Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.