In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, where talent meets tenacity, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has once again proven she’s not just a force on the court but a savvy entrepreneur off it. The 23-year-old WNBA All-Star, known for her dominant rebounding skills and unapologetic confidence, recently disclosed on her popular podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” that she has earned over six figures from merchandise inspired by a viral meme that once aimed to mock her. The term “MeBounds” originated from online critics who accused Reese of padding her stats by rebounding her own missed shots during her rookie season. Instead of letting the negativity derail her, Reese flipped the script in a move that’s as brilliant as it is profitable.

Reese’s journey to this financial milestone began amid the intense scrutiny that followed her transition from college stardom at LSU, where she led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023, to the professional ranks. Drafted seventh overall by the Sky in 2024, she quickly made waves with her double-double averages and charismatic presence, earning her a spot in the All-Star Game and the Rookie of the Year conversation. However, as her fame grew, so did the online trolls. Social media users coined “MeBounds” to jest at her aggressive rebounding style, turning what was a legitimate aspect of her game—grabbing offensive rebounds—into fodder for memes and criticism.

Rather than ignore or combat the trolls head-on, Reese embraced the phrase with entrepreneurial flair. She swiftly trademarked “MeBounds” and launched a merchandise line in June, featuring oversized T-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats, and more, all emblazoned with empowering designs that reclaim the term. Items like the “MeBounds Silhouette” tee, priced at around $45, incorporate playful graphics of Reese in action, with slogans emphasizing ownership and resilience, such as “Anything that comes off that board, it’s mine.” The collection not only sold out rapidly but also resonated with fans who admire her ability to turn adversity into opportunity.

This merch success adds to Reese’s already impressive portfolio. As one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports, she boasts endorsement deals with major brands like Reebok for her signature shoe line, which has seen multiple sellouts, as well as partnerships with PlayStation, Beats by Dre, Hershey’s, Mielle Organics, Amazon, and Tampax. Her net worth, bolstered by these ventures and her WNBA salary of over $300,000, is estimated to be climbing rapidly, potentially into the multimillions. Beyond the dollars, a portion of the “MeBounds” proceeds supports the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which focuses on combating cyberbullying and empowering young women—directly addressing the very hate that inspired the line.

Reese’s story is a testament to modern athlete branding in the digital age. In an era where social media can make or break reputations, she has mastered the art of monetizing controversy. By owning the narrative, she’s not only silenced detractors but inspired a new generation of players to view criticism as fuel for innovation. Her podcast revelation, where she laughed off the initial mockery and boasted “six figures-plus, thank you,” underscores her mindset: resilience pays off. As the WNBA continues to gain mainstream traction, with viewership soaring and player salaries under discussion, Reese stands out as a pioneer. Her “MeBounds” triumph isn’t just about merch—it’s about rewriting rules, one rebound at a time.

Looking ahead, with more shoe drops and potential expansions in her brand, Reese’s empire shows no signs of slowing. Fans eagerly await her next move, whether on the court or in business, proving that in the game of life, she’s always one step ahead.