Shaquille O’Neal drops 6-word reaction to back Angel Reese as Reebok’s future after signature shoe sells out

Shaquille O’Neal publicly supported Angel Reese after the release of her first signature basketball shoe, making it clear that Reebok sees her as central to its return to the sport.

As president of Reebok Basketball, O’Neal said Reese reflects the direction the company wants to take as it rebuilds its presence in the market.The launch comes at a time when women’s basketball is drawing more commercial attention. Reese’s sellout and expanding partnerships show her influence is growing off the court as well, strengthening her position as one of the league’s most marketable players while supporting Reebok’s long-term plan.

Angel Reese 1 sells out within 24 hours

The “Angel Reese 1” released in three colorways on February 13, 2026, and sold out across major retailers in less than a day. The response backed Reebok’s decision to build its basketball strategy around her visibility and appeal.

The shoe combines performance features with elements tied to Reese’s personal style, including references to her time with the Chicago Sky. Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky called her their “top pick,” saying she represents the swagger the company wants to bring back.

Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson chose Reese in 2023

O’Neal and vice president Allen Iverson selected Reese as the brand’s first major signee in October 2023. Explaining the move, O’Neal said, “Angel represents everything this new era of Reebok basketball is about - power, confidence, and impact on and off the court. She’s a competitor, a leader, and she’s unapologetically herself.”He added, “She’s the face of what’s next,” placing her at the center of the company’s relaunch.Reese was involved throughout the process. Before signing, she visited Reebok headquarters, met with executives, and contributed to product design. That involvement helped move the partnership from apparel tests in 2024 to a signature shoe in 2026.

Angel Reese on choosing Reebok and expanding her brand

Reese decided to lead Reebok’s rebuild instead of signing with Nike or Adidas, relying in part on her LSU connection with O’Neal and the opportunity for a larger role.

After agreeing to the deal, she worked with Portia Blunt’s team on product development and helped launch the “Reebok by Angel” line in August 2024.Her multiyear extension makes her only the second WNBA player with a Reebok signature shoe. The immediate sellout showed strong demand and placed her in a small group of players with proven retail pull.Reese explained her decision by saying, “I chose Reebok… I wanted to be that [face].”Also read: Chris Paul’s all-time ranking: Does the veteran point guard land in the top 5 after his 2026 retirement?With the 2026 season approaching, Reese’s deal represents more than a product release. Supported by O’Neal, she has become a central figure in Reebok’s basketball plans and a key name in the sport’s growing business landscape.