Angel Reese breaking Ground On The Court — And Off It

Angel Reese

Breaking Ground On The Court — And Off It

Angel Reese, forward for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, has captivated headlines recently — but not just for her basketball stats. This autumn has seen Reese straddle two worlds: navigating serious team and media dynamics in the WNBA, while simultaneously making a historic leap into the world of fashion and culture.

Here are the latest developments surrounding her career and public persona:

1. A Runway Moment: First Pro Athlete at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025

On 15 October 2025, Reese made history by becoming the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. �

At the event in Brooklyn, she wore two standout looks: a pink-floral lingerie ensemble with a feathered stole, and later the iconic “angel wings” set. �

Reese called the moment “surreal and full-circle,” reflecting on how she once attended the show as a fan with hopes of someday participating. �

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Beyond the spectacle, this event underscores a broader evolution: Reese is positioning herself not only as an elite athlete, but also as a cultural figure — bridging sport, fashion, and social media influence. Vogue noted how she worked with a runway coach and leaned into stylists to prepare. �

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2. Media Relations & Personal Reflections

While Reese’s fashion milestone attracted attention, her relationship with the sports media has become a focal point. On her podcast Unapologetically Angel she revealed deep discomfort with interviews, saying she’d sometimes “rather take the fine” than sit for reporters. �

She explained feeling that even well-intentioned questions can be “flipped” into a negative narrative:

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“I’m terrified… It could be the nicest question, but it’s going to get flipped or put into a different light or a different perspective.” �

This admission connects to earlier friction: Reese was suspended for a half-game during the 2025 season for “statements detrimental to the team.” �

The underlying theme: Reese is striving to protect her image, exercise control over her voice, and bypass the traditional media filters that she feels have misrepresented her in the past.

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3. Team Dynamics & Future Outlook

On the basketball side, Reese has had a strong individual performance yet a turbulent season with the Sky. Despite averaging around 14–15 points and 12 rebounds per game and making her second All-Star appearance, the team finished with a 10-34 record, one of the worst in the league. �

Her public comments criticizing the team’s direction (stating “we can’t settle for what we have this year”) drew attention also. � Still, the Sky’s general manager expressed belief that Reese will remain on the roster next season, signalling that the organization views her as a cornerstone despite the chaos. �

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In parallel, offseason reports suggest Reese is working on refining her offensive game — particularly her scoring efficiency — and may collaborate with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to fine-tune her skills. �

The combination of her athletic trajectory and off-court brand building means she could emerge as one of the most influential women’s basketball figures in the coming years.

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4. The Broader Significance

Reese’s current moment is meaningful for several reasons:

Cross-industry impact: By walking a Victoria’s Secret runway, Reese challenges traditional boundaries for athletes — especially women’s basketball players. Her work signals that top sports stars can be fashion icons, cultural influencers, and brand ambassadors all at once.

Media empowerment and mental health: Her candidness about the media reveals emerging conversations in the sports world about athlete mental health, media scrutiny, and public narratives. Reese is opting for selective engagement rather than default compliance.

Team vs. individual identity: With the Sky’s struggles, Reese is wrestling with how to align her personal brand with team success, and how to maintain agency while being part of a larger organizational structure.

Representation and symbolism: As an elite athlete, strong fashion presence, and social media figure, Reese stands as a role model for younger girls who see multi-dimensional paths beyond just athletic success.

5. What to Watch For

Looking ahead, key questions will include:

How will Reese’s relationship with the Sky evolve, especially given her outspoken nature and the team’s need to rebuild?

Will her media strategy change — will she grant fewer interviews, or find new formats (podcasts, branded content) that give her more control?

Will her court game take the next step (especially offensively) so that her brand growth is backed by performance?

What new endorsements or cultural collaborations will emerge now that she has increased visibility in fashion and media?

How will her dual identity – athlete and fashion/culture figure – influence her long-term legacy in sports?

Angel Reese Says ‘Forever that GIRL,’ Posts Video of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Angel Reese doesn’t hold back on ‘really scary’ relationship with media

In sum: Angel Reese is at a pivotal junction. She is asserting herself not just in the stat sheet, but in broader conversations of image, identity, and influence. Whether on the hardwood or the runway, she is making clear that her ambitions extend well beyond one arena.