One thing is for sure, Angel Reese won’t do it the simple way. Famously known as the Bayou Barbie, everything from her game to her personality is extraordinary. Choosing Reebok over Nike, the Chicago Sky rookie plans to redefine the game. Of course, the man behind inspiring Reese is none other than her Unc, Shaquille O’Neal. Amidst the noise of Caitlin Clark’s Nike signature shoe deal, Reese revealed that her own signature shoes will soon be launched.

“For sure,” Reese replied to a question about whether there was anything in plan, as she smiled looking at the camera. Ahead of her historic performance at the WNBA All-Star Game, Reese confirmed big things in store regarding her signature shoe. However, the other details such as dates and design are yet to be released. The WNBA star signed with Reebok last May.

Reese also mentioned NBA legend and Reebok president Shaquille O’Neal‘s involvement, revealing that he asked if she was interested in joining Reebok when they met during a visit by O’Neal’s daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal, to LSU. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is like a father figure to Reese.

“I love Reebok. Shaq has been amazing to me. When I first met him, he said, ‘When are you signing to Reebok?'” Reese revealed about meeting O’Neal for the first time. Her deal with Reebok was the company’s first NIL deal. And just as Reese once said, it has opened doors for her signature shoe deal.

As per Soleretreiver, Reese’s sneakers are expected to launch in 2025. That will make Reese the first female basketball player to get a signature deal with Reebok after Rebecca Lobo in 1997. On the other hand, we also have Reese’s rival, Caitlin Clark, who signed a signature shoe deal worth $28 million with Nike. There’s a reason why the former Lady Tiger didn’t sign with Nike.

Why did Angel Reese choose Reebok over Nike?

During an interview, Reese mentioned that she could have inked a deal with Nike, as many athletes, such as A’ja Wilson, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and more. Moreover, Clark also wore numerous Nike sneakers for her college games through her NIL deal. But Reese doesn’t wish to follow the mainstream.

She wants to create her own unique path and therefore chose Reebok over Nike. “I wanted to be a priority ’cause I could have signed easily with Nike. I could’ve signed easily with Jordan. But like everybody doing that. I don’t like doing what everybody do. I like to do the complete opposite. I’m bringing Reebok back,” Reese shared in an interview.

There’s a chance that Clark’s signature shoes will be launched soon after Reese’s. For now, all we can do is gear up for another battle between the two rivals, who look set to match each other stride for stride for years to come.