Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese debuted a signature Barbie doll and matching pink Reebok Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes ahead of the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, marking a commercial milestone for the third-year star as she prepares for her third All-Star appearance.
Barbie Doll Debut and Reebok Partnership Highlight All-Star Weekend
Mattel introduced the new collectible dressed in a pink basketball uniform featuring Reese’s No. 5 jersey, a matching pink leg sleeve, and a pink headband. According to Sports Illustrated, Reese wears one legging to cover up a scar and to honor her idols — basketball players Te’a Cooper and A’ja Wilson. The release coincides with the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, returning the star to the city where she began her professional career before her trade to Atlanta after the 2025 season.
The doll features the player’s signature Reebok Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes in a Barbie-inspired pastel pink colorway, with a matching adult and kids’ sizing run set for fans. The Atlanta Dream forward, who has been signed with the brand since 2023, just released the latest colorway of her Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes, and they’re serving pastel pink perfection for summer. Blending elite performance and style, these kicks feature her signature Angel Reese logo on the tongue with the brand’s patented Energy Return System technology underfoot. The molded TPU upper provides superior durability and stability, on and off the court. Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that Barbie is introducing a doll in the likeness of professional basketball superstar, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Angel Reese, celebrating her influence on sport, business, fashion, and culture while empowering the next generation of girls to dream without limits. Dressed in signature Barbie style, the doll debuts in Reebok Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes in Barbie pink, with a matching pair available for fans.
Throughout my basketball journey, I've always played by my own rules and refused to let anyone limit what I can achieve,
she said, per The Athletic’s Jason Jones. “Now, it’s my mission to inspire others to realize they have that same power to overcome their doubts and rebound from any obstacle. I hope young girls can look at this doll, lace up their Reeboks and feel inspired to confidently step into their power.” Reese is set to appear in the All-Star Game for the third time Saturday.
Angel Reese’s “Bayou Barbie” nickname now has more meaning and reach on her mission to inspire young girls and grow as a cultural figure. Reese picked up the “Bayou Barbie” nickname while starring at LSU, where she was part of the 2023 NCAA Champions. Whether you’ve followed the 6’3” forward from her LSU championship run, her rise in the WNBA or her move to the Atlanta Dream, the latest doll release gives fans another way to celebrate one of basketball’s biggest stars.
Cultural Impact and Commercial Growth Beyond the Court
Reese’s signature doll is the latest example of her impact beyond the WNBA. Seattle legend Sue Bird also had a signature Barbie that was released in 2024, after her retirement in 2022. Reese is only in her third WNBA season, and her first in Atlanta. Barbie dolls have been available since 1959 and have routinely been used to highlight different careers via outfits and accessories. The brand has highlighted significant women in sports in recent years, too. Singers Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Diana Ross are among celebrities to have a signature doll over the years. Mattel honored 10 women in 2024 as trailblazers in sports, including tennis legend Venus Williams. Tennis player Naomi Osaka, gymnast Gabby Douglas and soccer player Alex Morgan are among other athletes to have the honor. Reese has been open about her desire to make an impact beyond sports by inspiring youth and establishing her brand in fashion, acting and more.
Barbie honors role models who inspire girls to imagine what's possible. From her on-court achievements and entrepreneurial leadership to her tireless advocacy for girls, Angel Reese is helping children see that confidence, ambition, and resilience can open countless doors. We're proud to honor her through our Barbie Signature doll and collaboration with Reebok, giving fans new ways to celebrate Angel and all she represents. Nathan
Reese, 24, has become a fashion icon inside the WNBA, starting when she declared for the draft through Vogue after a great career at LSU that included a national championship in 2023. She also was one of the magazine’s cover stars for the Winter 2025 issue.
All-Star Success and On-Court Performance in Atlanta
Angel Reese is showcasing her WNBA All-Star looks early. The Dream forward shared flicks from a recent photo shoot Wednesday in which she wore a halter gold swimsuit paired with gold bangles, gold sandals and big earrings. She also modeled the outfit with a fan and gold sarong. Yes, i am exactly who i think i am,
Reese wrote as the Instagram caption. Athlete Vanity also shared Reese’s photos, including one of her playing UNO against her boyfriend, Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., while in her stunning outfit. The now three-time All-Star is pictured putting up “L”s at Carter and wrote over the photo, uno get so real over hereeee I’m literally the QUEEN of uno.
The photo shoot comes off of a weekend in the headlines for Reese. Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello was recently heard calling Reese a protected species
while protesting a foul call. After grabbing a rebound, Reese knocked down Nyara Sabally with her shoulder while shooting. Sabally was hurt on the floor and picked up a shooting foul. On Thursday, July 2, the WNBA announced the starters for the upcoming 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Fans accounted for 50% of the vote to determine this year’s All-Star starters, and the remaining 50% was comprised of active WNBA players (25%) and select WNBA media members (25%). The results were as follows: Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, Wings forward Jessica Shepard, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, Lynx forward Natasha Howard, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Fever center/forward Aliyah Boston, and Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams.
You’ll notice that Atlanta Dream players are absent from that list. Angel Reese certainly did and took it upon herself to stand up for Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. Gray and Howard each have three All-Star nods to her name. I expect to be disrespected,
Reese said, per ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “For those two though, I think they work so hard and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”
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