Angel Reese has taken a major step in protecting her growing business empire. The WNBA star officially trademarked her name through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark was granted on October 28, giving her exclusive rights to the “Angel Reese” brand.
Filed through her own eponymous LLC, the trademark covers her name, image, and likeness. Reese can now control how her identity is used commercially across various industries. The move signals her serious intentions to build a lasting legacy beyond basketball.
From Bayou Barbie to Business Mogul
Reese established herself as a household name during her time at LSU. Her “Bayou Barbie” persona captured national attention and showcased her charismatic personality. She carried that momentum into the WNBA, becoming an All-Star with the Chicago Sky.
However, her reach extends far beyond basketball courts and arenas. The trademark symbolizes her growing status as a business mogul and media personality. At just 23 years old, she’s building an empire that will outlast her playing career.
Reese understands that athlete brands require protection and strategic planning. Many athletes lose control of their image through poor legal protection. Her trademark ensures she maintains complete ownership of her brand identity.
Trademarking “Mebounds” for Future Brand Use
The name trademark isn’t Reese’s first intellectual property filing. She also filed to trademark the popular phrase “Mebounds,” though it’s still pending approval. The basketball term has become synonymous with her record-breaking rebounding skills.
Reese doesn’t claim to have coined the phrase originally. However, she recognized its commercial value and cultural significance early. “Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate that up,” she said in a TikTok video.
“Anything that comes off that board, it’s mine. And a brand? That’s six figures right there,” Reese explained, according to WBLS. Her business savvy shows in how quickly she capitalized on viral moments. The “Mebounds” trademark will protect her ability to monetize this catchphrase across products.
Building a Diverse Portfolio of Endorsements
Reese has secured numerous endorsement deals with major brands across multiple industries. Her partnership with Reebok produced sold-out shoe collections that proved her commercial appeal. She also partnered with Cash App to create branded cards for consumers.
The Chicago Sky forward has even walked runways during fashion weeks. Her style and confidence translate seamlessly from basketball courts to fashion stages. These diverse partnerships demonstrate her versatility as a brand ambassador.
Her trademark protection becomes crucial as these partnerships multiply. Brands want assurance they’re working with someone who controls their own image. Reese’s legal protections make her a more attractive and reliable business partner.
Exclusive Rights to Apparel and Products
The trademark gives Reese exclusive rights to anything bearing the “Angel Reese” brand name. This includes apparel, accessories, and various consumer products across categories. No one can use her name commercially without her explicit permission.
The legal backing surrounding her name enables complete control over her brand and image. She can prevent unauthorized merchandise or endorsements that don’t align with her values. This protection becomes increasingly important as her fame and influence grow.
Many athletes discover unauthorized products using their names too late. Reese’s proactive approach prevents these legal headaches before they start. She can now pursue legal action against anyone infringing on her trademarked brand.
Strategic Business Planning Beyond Basketball
Reese has kept her head in the game by building business acumen outside basketball. She understands that athletic careers are relatively short compared to business opportunities. Planning for life after basketball while still playing shows remarkable foresight.
While basketball remains her initial claim to fame, Reese has bigger plans beyond it. The trademark positions her to launch various business ventures under her own name. She can create product lines, media content, or service businesses with legal protection.
Her business strategy demonstrates sophistication unusual for such a young athlete. Many players wait until retirement to consider brand building seriously. Reese is laying groundwork now while her playing career amplifies her visibility.
Media Personality and Cultural Influencer
Reese can now capitalize further on opportunities as a media personality. Her charismatic presence makes her natural for broadcasting, hosting, or content creation. The trademark protects her ability to monetize these media appearances properly.
Her social media presence has millions of engaged followers across platforms. She creates content that resonates with young people, particularly young Black women. This influence extends her reach far beyond traditional sports audiences.
Brands increasingly value athletes who can create authentic connections with consumers. Reese’s personality and relatability make her particularly valuable in this landscape. Her trademark ensures she benefits fully from the value she creates.
Protecting Legacy for Future Generations
The trademark represents more than immediate commercial opportunities. It protects Reese’s legacy for decades to come, potentially benefiting future generations. Her name and brand can continue generating value long after she retires.
Think of how Michael Jordan’s brand continues thriving decades after his retirement. Reese is setting up similar possibilities for herself through strategic legal protection. The groundwork she’s laying now will pay dividends for years.
This forward-thinking approach distinguishes successful athlete-entrepreneurs from those who simply play well. Reese clearly understands the difference between being famous and building lasting wealth. Her actions demonstrate commitment to generational impact.
Learning From Other Athletes’ Mistakes
Many athletes have lost millions by failing to protect their brands properly. They discover too late that others have trademarked their names or catchphrases. Reese is avoiding these pitfalls through proactive legal strategy.
Her team clearly includes savvy legal and business advisors. The LLC structure and trademark filings show sophisticated planning. This professional approach protects her interests while maximizing commercial opportunities.
Young athletes can learn from Reese’s example about brand protection importance. Starting these processes early prevents expensive legal battles later. Her success provides a roadmap for the next generation of athlete-entrepreneurs.
What’s Next for the Angel Reese Brand
While not much is known about specific upcoming ventures, possibilities are endless. The trademark opens doors for fashion lines, beauty products, or lifestyle brands. Reese could launch anything from activewear to home goods under her protected name.
Her media presence suggests potential for content companies or production ventures. She could create shows, podcasts, or digital content platforms bearing her brand. The trademark ensures she maintains ownership and control of these creations.
Real estate, restaurants, or tech investments could also bear the Angel Reese name. The trademark’s breadth allows her to explore diverse business sectors. Her options remain wide open as she continues building her empire.
Balancing Sports Career and Business Growth
Reese continues advancing her basketball career while building her business empire simultaneously. She hasn’t let business pursuits distract from her athletic performance. This balance requires discipline, time management, and excellent support systems.
The 23-year-old is doing it all while still competing at elite levels. Her rookie season with the Chicago Sky showed she can handle multiple priorities. She set rebounding records while signing endorsement deals and building her brand.
This multi-faceted approach represents the modern athlete’s reality. Players can no longer afford to focus solely on sports performance. Reese exemplifies how to excel both on court and in boardrooms.
Inspiring Young Black Women Entrepreneurs
Reese’s business moves inspire young Black women watching her journey. She demonstrates that athletic success can launch much larger entrepreneurial ventures. Her visibility as a Black woman building an empire matters tremendously.
Black women often face additional barriers in business and entrepreneurship. Seeing someone like Reese navigate these spaces successfully provides crucial representation. She’s showing what’s possible when talent meets strategic planning.
Her success challenges stereotypes about athletes, particularly Black female athletes. She’s proving that women can be fierce competitors and savvy businesspeople simultaneously. This representation will influence countless young women pursuing their own dreams.
