"They missed out on Caitlin Clark" - WNBA fans react to wild X claim about Angel Reese’s new Reebok sneakers after her bold comparison with Jordans

Angel Reese announced last month that her long-awaited signature shoes with Reebok would be released on Sept. 18. Originally scheduled for 2026, the brand moved the release date up so fans could get a pair in time for the WNBA playoffs.

At the time, Reese said she wanted her shoes to become a household name like NBA legend Michael Jordan's Air Jordans.

"People are going to be wearing Reebok everywhere, just like how they wear Jordans everywhere," Reese said.

Although the shoes have yet to be released, a tweet on X alleged that Reebok has lost $15 million in its collaboration with the Chicago Sky star. According to the user, the partnership is “in jeopardy after sales of under 250 pairs.”

While the claim is false, it generated chatter on social media. Some fans suggested that Reebok should have struck a deal with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who signed a reported eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike in April 2024.

“They missed out on Caitlin Clark.”

Jon Griffin

@griffin31331

They missed out on Caitlin Clark

"Banking on color instead of popularity, talent and skill, Caitlin Clark should have gotten the sneaker," another fan said. "That's exactly what they deserve."

The WWE Reject

@TheWWEReject

Buy these Reebok shoes and you’ll play like Angel Reese sounds more like a warning label than a sales pitch.

Zilla 🦖

@basedgodzilla

Where did they find 250 people stupid enough to buy those shoes?

Others, however, pointed out that the claim was false.

ZACK

@I_amZackk

The shoes don’t release/aren’t on sale until next week… 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

Homicidehomes352

@A1_DaGreat

How you figure this out when the shoe doesn’t drop until 9/18 this years, so you have a DeLorean and time travel

In October, Angel Reese agreed to a multi-year extension with Reebok. Part of the deal was a signature shoe slated for release in 2026, but the brand moved it up to September this year.

Before its release, the shoes had already received major exposure. Reese debuted the “Diamond Dust” colorway in the 2025 WNBA All-Star game. The same shoe also landed on the cover of the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26.

Angel Reese is the 11th basketball player to receive a signature shoe deal from Reebok. The first one to get that honor was Shaquille O’Neal, who has been the brand’s president of basketball operations since October 2023. Before Reese, the last player to endorse Reebok was former NBA star John Wall, who signed with the brand from 2010 to 2012.

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Angel Reese claimed she signed with Reebok to bring brand back

Last year, Angel Reese shared some of her reasons for signing with Reebok.

“I wanted to be a priority ‘cause I could have signed easily with Nike, I could have signed easily with Jordan, but, like, everybody doing that. … I like to do the complete opposite. I’m bringing Reebok back.”

Reese added that Shaquille O’Neal also played a key part in her decision to sign with Reebok. Additionally, she said that she has creative input in the designs of the shoes and apparel, making that opportunity a major reason to join the brand.

Reese is the second WNBA player Reebok signed to a shoe deal. The first player to have that distinction was Rebecca Lobo, who endorsed the brand in 1997 and 1998.