The WNBA world can’t stop buzzing about Angel Reese—and it’s not just for her moves on the court. The Chicago Sky forward has just snagged a lucrative contract extension with Reebok that includes a dream perk: her very own signature sneaker set for a 2026 release. This makes Reese the latest in a growing lineup of WNBA players with signature kicks, adding even more spice to her ongoing rivalry with Caitlin Clark.
If that weren’t enough, Reese is also fending off “advice” from a certain NBA Hall of Famer who’s known for… well, having a lot to say. Shaquille O’Neal recently proposed his “groundbreaking” solution to close the pay gap between NBA and WNBA players—by lowering the rim so that more women can dunk. Reese, never one to hold back, gave the idea a hard pass. In fact, she took to her Unapologetically Angel podcast to let Shaq know how she really felt. “‘I hate when men say that,’” she said, putting the big man’s plan firmly on ice.
While Shaq was busy pitching his dunk-o-matic dreams, Reese was also getting real about the financial struggles of being a pro in the WNBA. Despite setting new records for TV ratings and fan attendance, Reese’s rookie salary with the Sky was a modest $73,439, which doesn’t quite cover her $8,000 monthly rent in Chicago. “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese commented, pointing out that endorsements, like her Reebok deal, are essential to making it work as a WNBA star.
Her rivalry with Caitlin Clark is another spicy twist to the story. Nike has already rolled out Clark’s own signature shoe, putting pressure on Reebok to deliver Reese’s as promised. And if Shaq’s dunking idea had Reese shaking her head, Clark fans seem to have a similar reaction to Nike’s delivery schedule for Clark’s merchandise, with social media posts practically begging the brand to “pick up the pace.”
For now, Reese is staying focused on the court and enjoying her time in the WNBA, dunk-free rims and all. And while Shaq may keep dreaming up his master plans for “fixing” the women’s game, Reese, like many fans, will probably keep rolling her eyes and blazing her own trail in the sneaker world—one signature shoe at a time.
