The WNBA has gained more popularity over the years, and many of its athletes are now more famous than ever. With fame comes brand deals and endorsements, and a whole lot of scrutiny. 

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese, nicknamed “Bayou Barbie” by fans, spoke out about the pressure that came with being a star athlete on the very first episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel.

During the September 6, 2024, episode of Unapologetically Angel, the Atlanta forward discussed how every social media post becomes privy to commentary by fans and critics commenting on her body and style.

“I'm a beautiful woman. I've been posting pictures in my bikinis, I got a nice body, and I work hard for it. And if I want to post a picture of my bikini I should be able to without being sexualized,” Reese said on the first episode of the Unapologetically Angel podcast in 2025. “I’m literally 22. I don't know do other people go through this?”

The discussion began after the podcast’s co-host Maya Reese asked for the WNBA star’s take on the media sexualizing her just because she was confident in her body.

Over the years, Reese’s critics have also pointed to her glamorous style on and off the court, along with her many brand endorsements as a sign of her lack of commitment to basketball and her WNBA career.

However, the Dream forward simply leveraged such viral moments to increase her reach and influence.

Recently, she flipped a term critics coined to mock Reese’s missed rebounds, into a clothing brand. All while breaking WNBA records and making the U.S.A.’s national women’s basketball team.

With Mebounds, Reese proved that she could turn even brutal mockery into a win-win situation for herself. So, her “Bayou Barbie” moniker was also fair game.

Angel Reese’s collaboration with Mattel

Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese is now no longer a “Barbie” just in name. Mattel collaborated with the pro WNBA player to create a new Barbie doll in her likeness.

The new ‘Angel Reese’ Barbie doll adopts the Dream forward’s signature style, from the thick eyelashes, long ponytail, necklaces and painted nails, down to the No. 5 jersey, leg sleeve, and iconic Reebok sneakers.

Dressed in a pink uniform emblazoned with the WNBA star’s name and jersey number, the doll also carries a pink basketball with the Barbie logo in her arm.

Per Mattel’s official website, the packaging has a quote by Angel Reese on the back, along with a brief description of her rise as an athlete and her impact on the court.

It also includes a mention of the Angel C. Reese Foundation, the non-profit group Reese started. The organization’s aim is “to foster equity, confidence, and equal opportunities for girls and underrepresented groups.”

Reese, who has made the best of all spheres, also became the first pro-athlete to walk the runway at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in 2025, making it another statement towards reclaiming her body and disregarding public opinion.

Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit