MVP Arike Ogunbowale scored 21 points in the third quarter and finished the contest with 34 points all in the second half with three rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Her effort led the youthful Team WNBA to a surprising victory.  It was a night of individual brilliance as incoming league sensations etched their names into the WNBA All-Star rookie record books. Cailin Clark’s 10 assists and Angel Reese’s 11 rebounds were standout performances.  

MVP, MVP, MVP!

With 34 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST Arike Ogunbowale is named the @ATT #WNBAAllstar Game MVP for the 2nd time in her career! pic.twitter.com/SfJrdzECFB

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024

Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 points, Kelsey Mitchell scored 13, and Angel Reese added 12 points with her first WNBA All-Star double-double.  USAB Women’s National Team had guard Breanna Stewart leading the squad with 31 points and ten rebounds in the loss. A’Ja Wilson posted 22 points (6 rebounds), Brittney Griner hit 10 points (7 rebounds), and Diana Taurasi notched 13 (6 rebounds).

Team WNBA’s biggest lead was 20 points, including 16 fast-break points, with the bench players contributing 54 points on the evening.  The National Team staged a late, dramatic rally, bringing the game within eight points before the final buzzer, adding a thrilling finish to the game.

Welcome to the WNBA, Angel Reese. No champion can say they don’t welcome the battles without having the battle scars as proof. The Sky’s rookie continues to play steadily with the Chicago Sky during their 86-82 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night. Reese had a couple of hard falls at the hands of veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. The last tumble was from a Flagrant 2 penalty, resulting in Thomas’ ejection from the contest.  

It’s like Alyssa Thomas was deliberately trying to take Angel Reese out. She’s notorious for playing like this & could’ve seriously injured Angel. Alyssa shouldn’t have even joined the #WNBA & should’ve gone into the WWE instead because this is ridiculous. It’s embarrassing… pic.twitter.com/oq8aporAQb

— Sha Hartley (@shahartley) May 26, 2024

Media and fans posted negative commentary about the level of physicality of Thomas’ play, but Reese’s postgame remarks shed a different light. “It’s not just because I’m a rookie,” Angel Reese said. “I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I mean, I want them to come at me every day. I want them to come at everybody. I mean, they’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope you all know that.”   

Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 26, 2024

Whether people agree or not, basketball is a contact sport in which hard and tough fouls occur by accident and on purpose. “They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie. Like, thank you, AT, for sending the message to me because I got back up, and I kept going, and kept and kept pushing. Like, me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland. So I know it’s no hard feelings, and I appreciate her for going out here every day for today.”

Angel Reese tonight

13 points
5 rebounds
44% FG

pic.twitter.com/HA4txsGgdT

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 26, 2024

Reese finished the highly competitive matchup against Thomas with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.   After four professional games, the rookie forward has averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 assists.  

One aspect of her game you can admire, is her willingness to clash and extend playing time. Reese’s minutes have gone from 26, 25, 31, to 33, as head coach Teresa Weatherspoon is developing trust in her young player.

Meagan Thee Stallion kicked off her Hot Girl Summer Tour twerking on Chi-Barbie with Glorilla in front of a sold out crowd at the United Center in Chicago on Friday night.

Megan Thee Stallion. Glorilla. Latto.@Reese10Angel is becoming every woman in rap’s favorite hooper.

(via: angelreese10 TikTok, Latto777 TikTok, @thewavecheckk) pic.twitter.com/v8G01WS7Bl

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 20, 2024

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs vs. Braves game held at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, marking another memorable moment in her young career.

The are in the building! pic.twitter.com/B1WuSxjkUf

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 21, 2024

 On Wednesday, it was announced that Reese has become a co-owner of the women’s pro soccer team, the DC Power Football Club.

Welcome DC Power FC Co-Owner, @Reese10Angel!

“I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community to continue elevating female athletes and the women’s game across the board.” – Angel Reese pic.twitter.com/BaasN16vdk

— DC Power Football Club (@DCPowerFC) May 21, 2024

Thursday night, she assisted her teammates in defeating the New York Liberty, 90-81. She played just over 31 minutes of game action. Reese has been flirting with notching her first double-double since the season tipped off. Against the Liberty, she has 13 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and one steal. She’s creating fouls and buried 7 of 9 free throws.   

LIBERTY, BIBERTY, CEDRIC DIGGORY

WE DON’T CARE ABOUT NONE OF THAT, OR YOUR LIL UNDEFEATED STREAK

SKY WIN!#skytown pic.twitter.com/ZfTZY87Vxg

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 24, 2024

Angel Reese averages 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in her first three professional games.

Center Kamilla Cardoso projects to return from her shoulder injury on June 1. Teresa Weatherspoon will have her championship-pedigreed twin towers ready as the Sky will meet Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

LSU’s recent graduate, Angel Reese, showcased her potential with another solid performance in her second game. The rookie forward was one rebound away from her first double-double as a professional in 25 minutes of game action. Reese registered 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in the win.

This Chicago Sky team is gonna be something special. Teresa Weatherspoon brings the energy & passion

And how great is it that Angel Reese has the respect of vets just two games in? Love seeing the relationship between her and T-Spoon #SkyTown #WNBA pic.twitter.com/Ip5wXMKsjR

— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) May 19, 2024

No. 3-draft pick Kamilla Cardoso is nursing a shoulder injury and should be ready to join the team in a few weeks.  Her return could potentially bring a significant boost to the team’s performance, adding depth and strength to the roster.

The Mystics announced moving its game with the Chicago Sky to Capital One Arena.

Angel Reese/Kamilla Cardoso effect: Mystics move their June 6 home game against the Chicago Sky from their home building, the Entertainment and Sports Arena (capacity 4,200), to Capital One Arena (capacity 20,000): pic.twitter.com/UPeJlpNpNZ

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 14, 2024

The Sky will play Indiana and Caitlin Clark for an NBA TV broadcast on Saturday, June 1.

Allow us to introduce to you…
𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐲!#skytown pic.twitter.com/kpCNV8Dd5y

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 13, 2024

CHICAGO SKY 2024 FULL BROADCAST SCHEDULE  

*CC = Commissioner’s Cup Games  

Brands are strategically aligning themselves with women’s basketball, recognizing the sport’s potential in today’s marketplace. The partnerships forged by influential women in basketball, such as Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, are clear indicators of how corporations can significantly enhance their brand exposure, position, profits, and influence by investing in women’s sports.

CANDACE PARKER AND ADIDAS

Candace Parker, after retiring, is “entering a new chapter as President of adidas Women’s Basketball,” which was power personified for me when I read today’s announcement in my inbox. She joins her TNT cohort, Shaquille O’Neal at Reebok, as another president of a sports apparel maker.   Her story is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and business leaders.

“Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with adidas,” Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball, said about her new position. “From high school to college to playing pro to now, this appointment by adidas symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful change and setting new benchmarks for the future of women’s sports. It’s not just about products; it’s about fostering a movement focused on innovation, representation, and access.”

would be kind of dope if Candace Parker’s first move as pres of Adidas was to bring A’ja Wilson over from Nike and get her a signature shoe pic.twitter.com/0gIzOVwkDb

— Lyndsey D’Arcangelo (@darcangel21) May 8, 2024

“We are honored to be a part of Candace’s historic legacy as she transitions from signature athlete to this new leadership role within adidas Basketball,” Eric Wise, Global GM at adidas Basketball, stated. “As a true innovator with a profound passion for the game, we are confident that she is a perfect fit to evolve the adidas Women’s Basketball business and catalyze a new era of growth and credibility for the brand.”

The historic announcement continued, “Parker is set to play a pivotal role in building upon the brand’s storied women’s roster—which boasts all-stars like Aliyah Boston, Hailey Van Lith, Kahleah Copper, Aaliyah Edwards, Chelsea Gray, Betnijah Laney, Alysha Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Erica Wheeler, among others. Rounding out her role, she’ll also be overseeing adidas Women’s Basketball products lines.

This role underscores the brand’s commitment to amplifying women in Basketball and its recognition of Candace’s enduring impact as a driver of change and advocate for the sport. A visionary both on and off the court, Parker once again shatters the glass ceiling as she heralds a new era of inclusive and transformative leadership in the sports industry.

Candace’s appointment to President of adidas Women’s Basketball is effective immediately.”   

Effective immediately, and take note. Black women in sports business efforts are wielding powerful swords – and, they’re bringing the money.

GATORADE INKS A’JA WILSON 

Let’s see. She’s the WNBA’s two-time MVP, Finals MVP, back-to-back league champion, Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time WNBA all-star, gold medalist, and former league rookie of the year. Oh yeah, the Las Vegas Aces star is a best-selling author who won a national championship with Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.  

Many believe it was overdue for a well-known brand to “come to their senses” by partnering with the WNBA superstar, A’ja Wilson. Tuesday’s press releases featured Gatorade inking a deal with Wilson to become a brand ambassador like Zion Williamson, who is for the sports beverage maker.  

Wilson told SLAM Magazine: “That’s why I was so geeked when I got it [the Gatorade deal] because I’m like, I’ve been drinking this forever. Orange Gatorade will forever be my life. I love that. I love that flavor. It’s No. 1 for me. It really dates back to the high school days.” 

A little BTS…
xo @naomiosaka x @Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/f0mIwyhL15

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) May 7, 2024

ANGEL REESE

The Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese joined a product campaign with world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and tennis star Naomi Osaka to promote the new Beats By Dre “Beats Solo 4” headphones.    

Angel Reese plans to gift her Sky teammates and coaches Beats headphones — and keep hooking them up with her endorsement deals throughout the year.

“Wherever they want to go, we going.” pic.twitter.com/LBA1lptBW3

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 7, 2024

I’m seriously so glad Angel Reese gets to be coached by Teresa Weatherspoon. A perfect fit. pic.twitter.com/UCx91jBxe2

— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) May 8, 2024

She told Chicago media that she plans to give the headphones to her new teammates.

The game between Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx was thrilling, showcasing the exciting new connection between Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Their debut surely didn’t disappoint their rookie head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon.  

“They came from great programs,” Weatherspoon said in her postgame interview. “They’re winners. They’re champions. They’re competitors. They compete. So, this is just a learning process for them. We’ve got leaders on this team that’s going to bring them along, and bring them along well. And that’s what matters. We play with and for each other.”

Reese was a starter in the preseason opener. The ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ played 24 minutes and contributed 13 points, nine rebounds (4 Defensive, 5 Offensive), a pair of steals, and one block as the Sky fell 92-81 to the Lynx. Also, she forced several fouls and went 9 of 10 from the free-throw line. Unfortunately, Reese had five personal fouls and two turnovers.

Angel Reese’s offensive rebound & putback.

: @heyheyitsalli #WNBA #SkyTown@Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/goNS9GbYSI

— SUMMER (@SummerDC_) May 4, 2024

“She just got her feet wet,” Weatherspoon responded to a question about Reese’s foul trouble. “There’s nothing to be worried about, nothing at all. You’re talking about a freaking competitor. We’re going to be fine. We’re going to look at film. We’re going to get better. She loved every minute of this. Trust me.”

Kamilla Cardoso came off the bench and played for 13 minutes in her first outing. The center went 3 of 5 from the field, scoring six points, grabbing four rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal.

Unfortunately, the WNBA had a major flub last night. Due to an omission and opportunity to cash in, fans were left searching beyond the Fever-Wings game for the Sky-Lynx showdown with Reese and Cardoso. Many were able to watch a stream on X from @heyheyitsalli’s account.

The game, which streamed up to 300K viewers at one point and now has over 1.7M views, was a missed opportunity for the league. By having it on League Pass, the WNBA could have capitalized on the potential earnings from these two new burgeoning stars and dynamic duo.

Angel Reese to Kamilla Cardoso in their WNBA preseason debuts

(via @chicagosky) pic.twitter.com/Aw7uX6V3uj

— espnW (@espnW) May 4, 2024

“The Lynx-Sky game was moved from Sat to Fri causing issues for Bally Sports who already committed to broadcasting the Twins game,” according to Rob Knox.

In what can be described as Caitlin Clark’s coming out party, the NCAA scoring champion made a significant impact.  She scored 21 points, grabbed three rebounds, and had a pair of assists and steals.  However, the downside was her committing five turnovers, which played a role in the Fever’s 79-76 loss to the Wings.

With the arrival of new talents like Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has a wealth of star power for this season. It will be up to the league’s brass to understand how to capitalize on these new arrivals instead of focusing solely on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever games.  

Despite past struggles with viewership and fan engagement, the league’s diverse talent pool promises an exciting future but must learn to convert into financial windfalls.

As the all-time NCAA basketball scoring leader, Clark’s potential impact on the WNBA, despite not having worn a uniform yet, is already projected to make her the highest-paid league rookie ever. 

The 2024 WNBA Draft Class stars with Clark include Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink, Aaliyah Edwards, and Rickea Jackson. Reese recently signed significant endorsement deals, but Clark’s eight-year, $28 million agreement with Nike could become the foundation for players.

Shaquille O’Neal signed Reese to an NIL in October with Reebok. Could he follow up with a mega-deal for the Chicago Sky draftee? Reese will have a new nickname, “Chi Barbie,” look for her to capitalize on a new marketing effort from her representatives.

Cardoso, Edwards, and Brink will be the notable names in line for prominent endorsements before the league tips off in May.

Check out:

The 6-7 Cardoso will anchor inside the paint with scoring, rebounding, and an athletic defensive presence. The native of Brazil helped the Gamecocks win the 2023-24 NCAA National Championship with a win against No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark and Iowa.

The Sky made a bold move, trading up to the seventh spot to secure power forward Angel Reese from LSU. Reese, the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year, is a versatile player known for her exceptional defensive and rebounding skills.

But that’s not all. Reese has shown herself to be a playmaker and creates fouls from defenders, sending her to the free-throw line. Her leadership led the LSU Tigers to the 2023 National Championship, a testament to her potential and the impact she can bring to the Sky.

The tandem immediately makes Chicago one of the most formidable defensive and rebounding forces in the WBNA. Both players were overwhelmed with emotion during their post-draft interviews.

National championship head coaches Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey were in the audience watching their stars get drafted by the Sky.

Coach Weatherspoon could set a foundation with a highly competitive frontcourt that knows how to win at the highest level, sharing the spotlight in Chicago.

“As a little girl growing up you always dream of playing basketball and getting your first trading card – I can’t wait for fans everywhere to be able to start collecting my Panini cards,” Reese said.

The former “Bayou Barbie” and 2023 national champion from LSU is projected to be a top-ten prospect in the 2024 WNBA Draft on Apr. 15.

A true game changer, on and off of the court

Honored to welcome the iconic @Reese10Angel to the Panini Exclusive Family!

Angel’s first Panini Cards will be available at 3:00 PM EST here: https://t.co/3XsYkmPG2a #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/dWAA9AoHEv

— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) April 10, 2024

“Angel is an outstanding talent and an electric player, and we are excited to welcome her to the Panini family as an exclusive athlete,” Jason Howarth, Panini America’s senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations, said in a released statement.

Panini’s first product with Reese is the $9.99 Panini Instant card, which is available on the company’s website.

Reese declared for the WNBA Draft a day after losing to Iowa in the NCAA Women’s Championship semifinal game. The Hawkeye’s legendary guard, Cailin Clark, announced a deal with Panini last month.   Clark projects to become the overall draft pick in the WNBA Draft’s first round.

The two young superstars intend to make their professional debut at the beginning of the WNBA season.