Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is turning a viral nickname into a powerful brand and a message.
After “Mebounds” gained traction on social media as a jab at her tendency to grab her own missed shots, Reese trademarked the term, launched a merchandise line, and is using part of the proceeds to support anti-cyberbullying efforts.
The “Mebounds” collection includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and slides priced between $28 and $75, in both adult and youth sizes. Items are available through Reese’s personal website, and a portion of sales will go toward cyberbullying prevention through The Angel C. Reese Foundation.
Reese also filed to trademark a second term, “Reesebounds,” further expanding her brand. She wore a “Mebounds” shirt during pregame warmups ahead of the Sky’s 80-75 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday at Target Center.
Instead of being offended by the nickname, Reese embraced it. “Clips have been going viral,” Reese told reporters. “So why not make some money off of it?”
“I try to make as much money when I’m sleeping as [when] I’m awake,” she said, crediting hustle and strategy for the launch. “To be able to have my own brand, and revenue shares obviously is something that we’re negotiating with our CBA.”
The term “mebounds” began as a mocking reference to Reese’s ability to secure her own missed shots, which still count as rebounds in the WNBA stat book. Reese has since embraced the phrase, becoming its face in the league.
Reese’s new merchandise collection comes as she calls out WNBA officials following a close loss to the Lynx.
“I think this is a leaping step for us, and obviously we know we can compete with the best,” Reese told reporters postgame. “But [the officiating] has to be fixed.”
“And I don’t give a damn if I get fined because that s–t is cheap, and I’m tired of this s–t. ‘Cause I’ve been nice, and I’ve been humble with it, but I am tired of this s–t,” she added.
She also echoed her frustration on social media, writing on X: “idgaf. DO BETTER.”
The rookie has been vocal about what she sees as inconsistent and unfair treatment by officials since entering the league.
Off the court, Reese had been making waves with her signature look: wearing a one-legged compression tight during games. While the look has become a fashion statement, it has a deeper personal meaning.
Reese suffered a tibia injury during her freshman year at LSU that required surgery and the insertion of a rod in her shin. The injury left a noticeable scar that affected her confidence.
Wearing the one-legged tight, she said, helps her feel more comfortable and confident. It has since become part of her identity.
Reese’s rising influence stretches beyond rebounds and court stats. Her foundation focuses on empowering young women and promoting mental health awareness. Through brand partnerships and now her own merchandise, she is building a business empire while staying active in social causes.
Her “Mebounds” collection is more than just a clapback. It’s a case study in how today’s athletes are reshaping narratives, monetizing their image, and pushing for change, both in business and in their sport.
Now in her second year with the Chicago Sky, Reese continues to dominate the glass, recently setting a WNBA record for the most consecutive games with double-digit rebounds in a single WNBA season. Her gritty play style and bold persona have drawn both criticism and admiration, but she’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most recognizable faces.
Her growing rivalry with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has only amplified the spotlight. The two first clashed in the 2023 NCAA championship, where Reese’s LSU squad defeated Clark’s Iowa team. Since then, their matchups have become must-watch events, drawing comparisons to legendary sports rivalries like Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. While Clark currently holds the edge in their WNBA head-to-head record, Reese’s physicality and unapologetic style have made every encounter electric. Their dynamic has fueled record-breaking viewership and brought new energy to the league.
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