Angel Reese just made a move no one saw coming. It’s not on the court — it’s in business. And insiders say it could change how athletes build power off the game. Fans are stunned. The industry is watching closely.

Is this the start of Angel Reese’s next empire? 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of women’s sports and athlete entrepreneurship, Angel Reese continues to rewrite the playbook.

The Chicago Sky forward and two-time WNBA All-Star, fresh off a standout 2025 season and her signature shoe launch with Reebok, has quietly but decisively entered a new arena: strategic investment in Black-owned beauty and wellness brands.

On January 7, 2026, skincare company Topicals announced the close of a funding round featuring Reese as a key participant alongside Nigerian music star Rema and other entertainment figures.

The move, first reported by Business of Fashion, has sent ripples through the sports, fashion, and business worlds—sparking debates about whether this signals the dawn of Reese’s off-court empire.

Topicals, founded in 2020 by Olamide Olowe, specializes in innovative solutions for textured skin, chronic conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation, and inclusive skincare routines. The brand has built a loyal following by addressing real concerns often overlooked in mainstream beauty, raising over $22.6 million in total funding to date.

Reese’s investment—terms undisclosed—joins a cohort of “cultural leaders” stepping in as traditional institutional funding tightens for Black-owned ventures. Olowe highlighted the shift: in an era where venture capital for diverse founders faces headwinds, partnering with influential athletes and artists like Reese provides not just capital but authentic reach and credibility.

For Reese, 23, this isn’t a one-off endorsement; it’s a calculated equity play.

Already a master of brand-building, she has amassed a portfolio that includes ownership stakes in the DC Power FC women’s soccer team (USL Super League) and media-commerce company TOGETHXR, home to the viral “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” campaign.

Her Reebok partnership, extended with a multi-year deal, includes the Angel Reese 1 sneaker—multiple colorways like “Mebounds” and “Tiago King” sold out instantly—and custom apparel lines.

Add in high-profile deals with McDonald’s (her branded meal), Hershey’s Reese’s (co-branded collections and Oreo crossovers with Paige Bueckers), Beats by Dre, PlayStation, Cash App, and more, and Reese’s off-court earnings dwarf her WNBA salary (around $82,000 projected for 2026).

Insiders close to Reese’s team describe this Topicals investment as a “pivot to legacy-building.” Unlike pure endorsements, equity stakes offer long-term upside: potential dividends, board influence, and alignment with values. Reese has long championed Black innovation—her foundation focuses on empowering girls through sports, education, and financial literacy—and Topicals fits seamlessly.

The brand’s focus on representation resonates with Reese’s unapologetic persona, from her “Bayou Barbie” to “Chi Barbie” eras. By investing, she’s positioning herself as more than a spokesperson; she’s a stakeholder in industries that shape culture.

Fans reacted with a mix of awe and excitement.

Social media lit up with comments like “Angel out here building generational wealth while still dropping doubles,” and “From rebounds to investments—Queen moves only.” Some drew parallels to trailblazers like Serena Williams (who built a venture fund) and LeBron James (SpringHill Company), noting Reese’s accelerated timeline.

At just three years into her pro career, she’s already owning pieces of teams, media platforms, and now beauty tech. Critics of women’s basketball pay structures—Reese has publicly voiced frustrations about WNBA salaries—point to this as proof: smart athletes diversify early.

The industry is paying close attention. Women’s sports exploded in 2025 with record viewership, merchandise sales, and investment, but athlete compensation lags behind men’s leagues. Reese’s model—leveraging cultural capital for equity rather than short-term checks—could inspire the next wave.

Younger stars like JuJu Watkins and Flau’jae Johnson already follow suit with NIL deals and side ventures. If Reese scales this approach—more investments, perhaps launching her own line or fund—it could redefine power dynamics. No longer just endorsers, athletes become owners, influencing product development, marketing, and narratives.

Reese herself has been vocal about intent. In interviews, she emphasizes “ownership, not participation,” aiming to create assets that outlast her playing days. Her podcast “Unapologetically Angel,” community court renovations via Cash App, and alma mater outfitting with Reebok all tie into this vision.

The Topicals deal amplifies that: it’s wellness-focused, community-driven, and culturally resonant.

What comes next? Speculation swirls around further beauty or fashion investments, potential brand launches under Angel Reese LLC (which holds trademarks like “Unapologetically Angel” and “Reesebounds”), or deeper involvement in TOGETHXR’s media empire.

With her signature shoe line expanding and offseasons dedicated to business, 2026 could see Reese solidify her status as a mogul-in-the-making.

Whether this marks the start of “Angel Reese’s next empire” remains unfolding, but one thing is clear: the WNBA star isn’t waiting for opportunities—she’s creating them. In doing so, she’s not just changing her game; she’s reshaping how female athletes build lasting power beyond the court.

The buzz is real, and the industry isn’t just watching—it’s taking notes.