Reebok aimed to establish itself in the basketball market by focusing on the women’s segment, signing Angel Reese as its flagship athlete and later adding DiJonai Carrington as another exclusive brand face. This approach, driven largely by Shaquille O’Neal’s vision, was meant to capitalize on the rising stars within the WNBA and boost Reebok’s presence against competitors like Nike and Adidas.
Despite this strategy, both athletes currently play for struggling teams in the WNBA, creating marketing difficulties as individual success is often tied to team performance. Reebok’s attention on Reese and Carrington was expected to anchor the brand’s revival, but recent league developments have complicated this plan.
DiJonai Carrington’s Trade to the Minnesota Lynx Could Change Her Trajectory
The Dallas Wings recently traded guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a future draft pick, giving Carrington a new opportunity to compete on a stronger team. This move has major implications for her career, as the Lynx are known for being a competitive contender in the league.
For Carrington, who was enduring the worst season of her career, this trade provides a fresh start and a chance to be part of a team with championship aspirations, a stark contrast to her previous situation.
Breaking: The Dallas Wings have traded guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson and Minnesota’s 2027 second round pick, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/SjHazYeNnw— espnW (@espnW) August 3, 2025
This development deeply affected Angel Reese, Carrington’s close teammate and fellow Reebok ambassador, who responded emotionally to the news of her teammate’s departure. Carrington’s move to Minnesota shifts the dynamic for both players and their respective brands.
Chicago Sky’s Struggles Darken Angel Reese’s Season
Angel Reese’s current team, the Chicago Sky, is enduring one of its most difficult seasons, remaining near the bottom of the WNBA standings. Last season signaled a rebuilding phase with high hopes after drafting Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, combined with veteran players meant to guide the team forward.
While Reese showed promise before the All-Star break and Cardoso was emerging as a key contributor, setbacks from injuries and declining team cohesion led to an eight-game losing streak. With 16 games left, mostly against higher-ranked teams, the Sky face an uphill battle to improve their record.
This decline threatens to tarnish Reese’s individual reputation, as some critics argue her performance does not translate into more victories for the team, adding pressure on the young forward during a crucial stage of her career.
Angel Reese’s Response to Criticism and Negative Publicity
Despite growing negativity and rumors questioning her WNBA success, Angel Reese remains unfazed by public criticism and continues to focus on her authentic self. In conversations with Carita Parks, Reese emphasized resilience and confidence as key traits for young athletes dealing with backlash.
Just be who you are. Don’t care what everybody else has to say. The real know who I am. You can’t knock me off my pedestal. Brands are going to come if you like it or not. The hate, the love… it pays regardless.
Angel Reese said
I asked Angel Reese what advice she has for young athletes on flipping the narrative and building a brand: “Be unapologetically yourself.” “You can’t knock me off my pedestal. Brands are going to come if you like it or not. The hate, the love… it pays—and you can see that.”… pic.twitter.com/FzMKxuHQFm— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 3, 2025
Reese’s confidence stems from her experience overcoming adversity since her NCAA national championship win in 2023. She has become adept at using both praise and criticism to her advantage, understanding that all attention can contribute to building her brand, regardless of the sentiment behind it.
WNBA Landscape and the Competitive Pressure on Players and Brands
The women’s basketball sneaker market remains largely dominated by giants like Nike and Jordan, with Adidas trying to bolster its presence by signing stars like Candace Parker. Meanwhile, Under Armour and Puma maintain modest rosters but lack the star power to challenge Nike’s dominance.
Reebok’s focus on Reese and Carrington was an attempt to carve out a niche in this competitive scene, but their teams‘ poor performances present obstacles to gaining greater fan engagement. Players must shine both individually and through team victories to elevate their profiles and strengthen brand partnerships.
DiJonai Carrington’s trade to the Lynx and her chance to compete for a championship could signal a turning point not just in her career but also for Reebok’s marketing efforts. Meanwhile, Angel Reese faces the challenge of maintaining her image and marketability despite the Chicago Sky’s difficulties.
Looking Ahead: What This Trade Means for Reese and Carrington
Carrington’s arrival at Minnesota provides her with a platform to rejuvenate her career and compete at a high level with a contender. This shift may also increase Reebok’s visibility in the league, as success on top teams usually translates to stronger endorsement opportunities.
For Angel Reese, the path forward involves confronting critical scrutiny head-on while trying to help the Chicago Sky reverse their losing trend. Her ability to remain grounded and “unapologetically” herself might serve as an example for younger athletes navigating similar pressures.
Ultimately, these developments highlight the complex interplay between individual talent, team performance, and brand strategies in women’s basketball as Reebok seeks to strengthen its foothold amid fierce market competition.