Angel Reese, the WNBA rookie sensation and NCAA champion, has found herself at the center of a heated debate — not over her on-court skills, but her commitment to the game itself. While the Chicago Sky forward continues to generate headlines with her performances and high-profile status, a vocal portion of fans are beginning to criticize her off-court pursuits, questioning whether she’s fully invested in basketball.
This backlash gained momentum in recent weeks as Reese juggled her responsibilities as a professional athlete with media appearances, brand endorsements, and her strong social media presence. Critics argue that her growing celebrity status may be taking precedence over her dedication to the sport. What started as praise for her marketability and personality has turned into skepticism from some fans who feel her priorities may be misaligned.
The criticism came to a head after a recent game in which Reese struggled offensively, shooting poorly and recording fewer rebounds than her usual average. Social media was quick to pounce. “Maybe if Angel Reese spent more time in the gym and less time on TikTok, she’d be putting up real numbers,” one comment read on X (formerly Twitter), echoing a sentiment that spread rapidly. Detractors began accusing her of focusing more on her image and less on her development as a player, drawing comparisons to other rookies like Caitlin Clark, who are perceived to be “all business” when it comes to basketball.
This public reaction has revealed a deeper issue — the ongoing double standards faced by women athletes, particularly Black women, when they express themselves beyond the court. Reese has never hidden her personality. From her LSU days to her WNBA debut, she has been unapologetically confident, fashionable, and vocal about her goals — both on and off the hardwood. She has secured NIL deals, strutted red carpets, and shared her personal style online, all while carving out a name for herself in the league. But this multifaceted identity, while celebrated by many, has opened the door to criticism from those who believe sports stars should maintain a singular focus.
Reese herself has addressed this backlash head-on. In interviews and social media posts, she has made it clear that she can be both an athlete and a brand, both competitive and stylish. “Being a businesswoman doesn’t mean I’m not a baller,” she tweeted recently. “I work hard. I train. I study film. And I show up.” Her message is consistent with a broader generational shift among athletes who no longer see themselves as confined to one lane. For Reese, like many in the new wave of women’s basketball, self-expression is part of the package.
Despite the criticism, Reese continues to hold her own on the court. While her stats may have fluctuated, she has been a reliable presence for the Sky, particularly on defense and rebounding — the latter being one of her hallmarks. It’s worth noting that transitioning from college to the WNBA is a significant leap, and few rookies excel immediately in all areas. What Reese is experiencing is part of the natural learning curve. The added scrutiny, however, appears to be amplified because of her celebrity.
Supporters have rallied to her defense, pointing out the hypocrisy in how female athletes are critiqued. “Nobody batted an eye when male players did commercials or released signature shoes,” one fan commented. “But the second a woman shows confidence and builds her brand, she’s called distracted.” Reese, they argue, is being penalized for doing what male athletes have done for decades: maximizing their platform.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Angel Reese reflects the growing pains of a sport on the rise. Women’s basketball is gaining unprecedented attention, and players like Reese are leading the charge into a new era where athleticism, influence, and branding are intertwined. The criticism may sting, but it also underscores her prominence. Few rookies receive this level of attention — and fewer still generate such passionate debate.
As the season progresses, Reese will have ample opportunity to silence doubters with her play. But it’s clear she’s not just playing to impress — she’s playing to redefine what a modern athlete looks like. Whether fans embrace that or not remains to be seen, but Angel Reese isn’t asking for permission. She’s showing up as hersel
f — on her terms.
