Innocent Instagram post, or something bigger?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind after LSU’s Angel Reese reposted an Instagram story mocking NBA star Kevin Durant’s fashion sense.
“I’m a SNEAKERHEAD,” she captioned.
To date, Reese has yet to sign a shoe deal, which may come as a surprise considering her fame. Since winning the NCAA Tournament, Reese’s social media following has soared to over 1 million on Instagram and TikTok, with over half coming seemingly overnight following the tournament. A report by Sportico notes she made more followers in six hours than any player in the men’s Final Four has made in their entire life. In tournament play, Reese scored 191 points — breaking both the men’s and women’s record.
RELATED: Angel Reese joins Sports Illustrated 2023 Swimsuit edition: ‘I am a queen’
The 6-foot-3 forward has logged significant NIL deals as of late, including partnerships with Campus Ink, JanSport, Bose, Raising Cane’s, and most recently, Sports Illustrated to appear on the 2023 Swimsuit issue. A shoe deal would be the icing on the cake.
Rumors have begun swirling thanks to her perhaps cryptic Instagram story, where the post specifically describes Jordan Brand sneakers. While Reese does attend a Nike school, that does not bar her from signing with other brands. Teammate Haley Van Lith is signed to Adidas, while Flau’jae Johnson signed with Puma last September.
As one of the most notable players in the space without a shoe deal, she’s become a major focal point for a variety of brands including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and more. Among her other competitors, Caitlin Clark has been signed to Nike since last year. Recent No. 1 overall selection to the WNBA, Aliyah Boston, is signed with Under Armour.
RELATED: Angel Reese lands NIL deal with Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge ahead of 21st birthday
Reese has made it clear she is interested in a shoe deal while in school, according to Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports. Her agent Jeanine Ogbonnaya has also made it clear they’re open to a deal, but have no plans on rushing into anything.
Angel Reese says something she's said before: that she can make more with NIL than she can in the WNBA.
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) April 1, 2023
She also said she hopes to sign into a shoe deal while she's still in college. Her custom shoe would have pink, glitter, "something cute."
Time will tell as to who will land the rising junior and potential WNBA star, and whether or not her shoes feature the air jordan, nike swoosh, or something different, at least we know her demands — pink, glitter, “something cute.”
