Angel Reese has wasted no time making her presence felt on and off the basketball court. Still early in her WNBA career, the Chicago Sky forward is determined to build a legacy that reaches far beyond the game she loves. She has repeatedly stated that she wants to be known not only as an elite basketball player, but also as a cultural force, entrepreneur, and role model who inspires new possibilities for women in sports.

Reese’s rise in the lifestyle and entertainment world has been one of the most exciting storylines in women’s sports. Her passion for fashion, which she frequently expresses through her personal style and public appearances, has opened major doors. After a standout rookie season, Reese was invited to numerous high-profile events and runway showcases. Her growing influence led her to make history as the first professional athlete ever to walk in the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, marking a milestone that further solidified her crossover appeal.

In addition to modeling, Reese has been laser-focused on business ventures. She has launched a production company, developed her own clothing line, and invested in soccer franchises and emerging sports leagues. These moves highlight her long-term vision: establish multiple revenue streams and broaden her reach globally.

Pop superstar Ciara—who knows plenty about career evolution—recently praised Reese during an appearance on Unapologetically Angel. She emphasized the importance of athletes using every tool and talent available to them.

“Basketball is not gonna be forever… I think it’s important to understand every gift that God has given you… We have to use all of our gifts. So why not be mobile off the court?”

Ciara’s message resonated deeply with Reese’s brand-building philosophy. The singer pointed out that professional athletes often face a pivotal challenge: once their bodies slow down or injuries occur, they must already have a prepared path forward. Supporting Reese’s proactive approach, she encouraged the young star to keep elevating her opportunities and pushing boundaries wherever possible.

While Reese has earned widespread praise for her off-court success, she has also faced criticism from those who believe she should spend more time refining her basketball skills. Last offseason, her branding and media commitments led some fans and analysts to question whether she was balancing priorities effectively.

Reese did train last offseason—working alongside Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier—which helped her shine during the inaugural Unrivaled league, where she played a key role in capturing the championship with Rose BC. However, her performance did not translate seamlessly into the start of her sophomore WNBA campaign.

Over time, she made significant improvements, reminding the public of her abilities and earning her second WNBA All-Star selection, a clear testament to her growth and competitiveness. Nevertheless, many of her supporters expressed hope that she would devote even more focus to offseason development to reach her full potential.

This year, Reese appears to be doing exactly that. Instead of returning to Unrivaled, she has chosen to prioritize rest and specialized training. Clips circulating on social media show her putting in the work—enhancing her footwork, developing her non-dominant hand, and sharpening her finishing skills inside the paint. Her commitment signals a clear intent: elevate every element of her game to match her rising fame.

As Angel Reese continues to expand her influence, she has also remained deeply connected to the places and people who shaped her. Through the Angel C. Reese Foundation, she has provided youth with school supplies, created safe spaces to play basketball, and supported financial literacy initiatives in partnership with NBA legend Magic Johnson.

Most recently, Reese brought one of her major sponsors—Reebok—to support her alma mater, St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. Student-athletes at the school were surprised with new Reebok uniforms and gear, and the team’s head coach wore Reese’s signature AR-1 shoes in the announcement video.

This gesture reflected her unwavering loyalty to her community. For Reese, helping the next generation isn’t just a formality—it’s a central part of the brand she’s building. She understands that success holds greater value when it can be shared with those who come after her.

Angel Reese represents a broader shift happening across women’s sports. Athletes today—especially WNBA stars—are claiming their economic power, embracing mainstream exposure, and crafting personal brands that extend well beyond competition. Reese’s willingness to bet on all facets of herself shows young athletes what is possible when ambition is not confined to a single lane.

Her story is still being written. She is evolving as a player, shaping global culture, uplifting future stars, and proving that women in sports can be multidimensional leaders and entrepreneurs.

If Ciara’s advice is any indicator, Reese is steering her life exactly where it needs to go:

Use all your gifts. Create every opportunity. And build a legacy no one can ignore.

And Angel Reese is doing just that—one step, runway, investment, and bucket at a time.