Angel Reese has taken her influence beyond the hardwood to champion economic empowerment for Black women. Teaming up with Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women (OMBW), Reese is championing Black women in the pursuit of generational wealth. This groundbreaking partnership comes at a pivotal moment, aligning Reese’s athletic stardom with a fervent advocacy for social change.
In a national TV ad, Reese stands alongside her mother, Angel Webb Reese, herself a former college basketball player, sharing a powerful message that resonates with Congress and policymakers. The ad exemplifies the influence of maternal guidance while advocating for policy reforms to address economic disparities.
“I owe so much to my mom. She instilled in me my confidence, work ethic and my commitment to my community. It’s clear that from her generation to today, Black women are still facing challenges,” Reese said. “But I believe change is possible. I’m proud to be teaming up with Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women to make sure the voices of Black women in my community and across the country are heard.”
While her recent partnership with OMBW shows her commitment to economic empowerment, Reese’s impact extends far beyond advocacy campaigns.
Angel Reese and Her NIL Impact
Throughout her budding career, Reese has also redefined the narrative surrounding NIL opportunities for Black women athletes. From her early days in high school basketball to her collegiate level games, Reese has leveraged her platform. Her endorsement deals with leading brands like Coach, PlayStation, Reebok, and Amazon highlight her marketability and influence. She was the catalyst for a shift in the perception of Black women athletes in the NIL marketplace.
Reese’s journey into the world of NIL deals began amidst a groundbreaking shift in NCAA regulations in 2021. Collegiate athletes gained the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness, opening doors for unprecedented opportunities. Recognizing the potential of this new landscape, Reese wasted no time in capitalizing on her status as a basketball phenom. By strategically aligning herself with brands that resonate with her values, Reese secured lucrative yet impactful deals. This aided her in becoming a trailblazer in the NIL arena.
Reese has demonstrated the immense potential for Black women athletes to thrive in a landscape dominated by their male counterparts. Her commitment to using NIL opportunities for positive social impact was highlighted by her decision to found the Angel C. Reese foundation. The foundation works to empower young girls in Baton Rouge and Baltimore through sports, education, and financial literacy. Reese’s spirit of philanthropy and community engagement further solidifies her status as a role model on and off the court.
Challenging Norms and Double Standards
However, Reese’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite her undeniable marketability, she has faced scrutiny, in a landscape filled with stereotypes and double standards. In a society that often imposes narrow definitions of success and femininity, Reese has defied expectations, refusing to conform to societal norms. Instead, she has embraced her authenticity. She boldly challenges misconceptions and has paved the way for future generations of Black women athletes to navigate the NIL landscape on their own terms. She has reportedly earned about $1.8M in NIl deals since she stepped foot into this realm.
As Reese continues to make strides both on and off the court, her trailblazing journey in NIL deals serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. By challenging norms, amplifying her voice, and advocating for change, Reese has proven that Black women athletes have the power to shape their own narratives and redefine success in the NIL era.