A recent promotional effort intended to spotlight Angel Reese has instead left her looking publicly slighted – and social media users are questioning whether she now “owes” Caitlin Clark after a misjudged sponsor move.
In what many are calling a cringe-worthy marketing tactic, Reese’s sponsor Reebok – headed up by president and NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal – attempted to piggyback off the explosive popularity of Clark.
In an episode of the Netflix series ‘Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal’, the basketball legend is spotted in discussions with executives telling them Reese needs to be dressed in Reebok when she plays Clark in the season opener.
By drawing parallels between the two WNBA stars, the campaign acknowledged that it needed to capitalize on Clark’s unprecedented draw for the league, suggesting Reese alone wasn’t enough, prompting backlash.
Misfire in messaging
Fans swiftly took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), accusing the brand of riding Clark’s coattails and even suggesting Reese now “owes money” to the Fever star for leveraging her fame.
“Angel Reese owes money to Caitlin Clark for life,” one fan said. Another commented: “Even her signature shoe is tied to CC dawgggggg.”
“Proud of you @Rees10Angel finally admitting cc is the only draw,” another fan commented.
“They’re admitting that their marketing revolves around caitlin?” A fan said. “Planning your marketing around someone else? That’s just embarrassing,” another fan remarked.
The effort debuted with promotional materials that highlighted both Reese and Clark as faces of women’s basketball – but the public reaction was far from positive. Instead, viewers interpreted the campaign as tone-deaf, viewing Reese’s inclusion as contrived rather than earned.
The uproar underscores an important reality: while both players are significant contributors to the WNBA’s growing visibility, they occupy different roles. Clark is widely credited with fueling fresh enthusiasm in women’s basketball, drawing record audiences and attention, while Reese is celebrated for her dominance in the paint and fiery on-court presence.
Fans contended that lumping the two together in marketing efforts dilutes their distinct contributions.
Public reaction highlights their rivalry
Make no mistake: Reese remains a formidable presence in the league. Known for her rebounding prowess (earning a WNBA rebounding record in 2024) and bold personality, she continues to be a marquee athlete attracting attention and sponsorship.
But in an era of savvy branding, public perception is everything. Misaligned marketing efforts can swiftly backfire if not thoughtfully calibrated.
If Reese and her team want to maintain her cultural and athletic momentum, future campaigns may have to focus squarely on her unique achievements and identity – as opposed to opportunistically riding Clark’s coattails.
What began as a bid to promote Angel Reese has instead become a lesson in marketing missteps. While both athletes have undeniably helped elevate the profile of the WNBA, industry observers and social media users agree that Reese’s next move should double down on what makes her distinct – whether it’s her rebounding dominance, outspokenness, or fashion-savvy public persona.
Only then can she avoid turning today’s embarrassment into tomorrow’s comeback.
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