The basketball court is Angel Reese’s playground.
But beyond the LSU star dominating on the hardwood, backed by her competitive nature and dominant performances, Reese has emerged as one of the faces of women making her debut as a model for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit 2023 Issue.
In April, Reese commanded the Tigers to their first national championship in program history as LSU defeated Iowa, 102-85, while also receiving the women’s NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player in the process. But in recent weeks following LSU’s national title, a game that was viewed by a record 9.9 million, the Bayou Barbie has shattered glass ceilings on the perception for women in sports while taking her name, image and likeness value to new heights.
Reese, who recently celebrated her 21st birthday on May 6, copped a new Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 with the help of her NIL deal with Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge. While riding in style, she made an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show with teammate Flau’jae Johnson and former LSU teammate Alexis Morris.
When capturing photos of the 6’3” forward, SI swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day described Reese as a “fierce advocate” in growing the game of women’s basketball.
“Her [Angel Reese] intensity, drive and passion around being unapologetically herself and speaking up for what she believes in is helping move the needle forward for women in sports and is liberating the next generation to feel seen and heard,” Day said about Reese ahead of her magazine debut.
Check out Angel Reese’s entire SI Swimsuit photoshoot.
Sports Illustrated/Yu Tsai
In addition to Hudson’s show and her new car, Reese has landed several other media appearances and high-profile NIL deals that amount to $1.3 million. She appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America as well as hosted a WNBA draft party hosted by Bleacher Report. Reese inked deals with Leaf Trading Cards, Campus Ink, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Raising Canes, Coach, McDonald’s and Amazon Merch on Demand.
But before she gets back to the grind of competing for a second title—one that will include two new teammates in former Louisville star Hailey Van Lith and former DePaul star Aneesah Morrow—the Baltimore native plans to continue to “embrace” her persona and her body.
“I embrace my body and who I am and every mark on my body,” Reese said.
Check out full coverage of the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue visit.
