In the dynamic world of college sports, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have opened new avenues for athletes to monetize their popularity. Angel Reese, the 21-year-old basketball prodigy from LSU, is making waves not only with her impressive skills on the court but also with her lucrative partnerships.
From luxury brands to popular food chains, Reese’s business collaborations are shaping her into a role model for aspiring athletes. But a recent revelation has shed light on her partnership with a $56 Billion-worth company.
An array of luxury deals for Angel Reese
While fans eagerly await Reese’s WNBA debut, they will have to exercise patience until 2024, when she becomes eligible for the draft. In the meantime, her journey is marked by her steady accumulation of NIL deals.
With a total of 17 deals under her belt, Reese’s portfolio includes a diverse range of brands. Coach, Wingstop, Merch on Demand, Sparkling Ice, and Giant Food are just a few of the names aligned with her burgeoning empire.
Reese’s strategic choices have catapulted her to impressive financial heights within the NIL landscape. Her revenue from these deals has positioned her as the sixth-highest-earning women’s basketball player, amassing a substantial $392,000.
With agent Jeanine Ogbonnaya by her side, Reese has masterfully orchestrated her brand collaborations, ensuring that each partnership aligns with her values and aspirations.
On a podcast with Overtime, the interviewer asked her, “When you get paid now, what do you do?” Reese said, “I’ve done a lot of shopping lately. I bought a couple of bags, fancy, designer bags. Well, luckily I just did a deal with… I just got a [Mercedez] Benz.“ The host confirmed with her if the Benz was a deal, and she replied, “Yes.”
On a podcast w/ Overtime…
Angel Reese revealed she's signed several six-figure NIL deals and recently:
🛍️ bought several designer bags
🚘 purchased a Mercedes for her 21st bday pic.twitter.com/s4dIqCibig— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) August 8, 2023
Mercedes-Benz, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has set its sights on partnering with Angel Reese. With a valuation of a staggering $56.3 billion, Mercedes-Benz’s interest in Reese speaks volumes about her marketability. In the podcast, Reese casually revealed her recent shopping sprees and the new addition to her possessions—a Mercedes-Benz. Confirming that the Benz was part of a deal, Reese’s nonchalant demeanor underscores her growing stature in the business world.
From courts to commerce, Reese’s bold steps in business
Coach, the luxury fashion brand, welcomed Angel Reese into their fold as a brand ambassador in August 2022, kick-starting her journey into the world of business collaborations. Reese’s partnerships extend beyond the fashion realm. She has joined forces with Giant Food, a supermarket chain, and Wingstop, a popular restaurant group. Additionally, her roster includes influential names like Xfinity, the telecommunications company, and TurboTax, the tax preparation software.
Sparkling Ice, McDonald’s, and Outback Steakhouse are also part of Reese’s impressive lineup of deals. As she balances her academic pursuits and prepares for her future in professional basketball, Reese’s foray into the business world is proof that her impact transcends the confines of the basketball court.
During the Overtime interview, when she asked, “What is it like knowing that companies want to work with you?”, Rees replied, “Yeah, it’s cool because I mean, You don’t really see black women doing a lot of deals, especially with a lot of these brands. So, just to see me, being able to be an example for a lot of young girls that look like me, and just giving them just to know that ‘They can do it.”‘
Reese’s relentless pursuit of excellence sets a precedent for athletes aiming to leverage their platforms for positive change. Another athlete from LSU who is making waves with her athleticism is Olivia Dunne, but how do they compare in net worth? Let us know in the comments below!
