Angel Reese has recently opened up about her relationship with fame, sharing her candid thoughts on the pressures that come with it. Despite boasting over 4 million Instagram followers and being one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA, the first-year All-Star admits she would gladly trade the limelight for a life of quiet wealth.
In the second episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Reese sat down with hip-hop artist Polo G to discuss the challenges of navigating fame. Both Reese and Polo G, who have deep connections to Chicago, reflected on the burdens of constantly being in the public eye.
“I’d rather be rich than famous,” the Chicago Sky rookie said bluntly. “Everybody wants to be famous, but they don’t really know what comes with it. It’s fun because of all the connections you make, but sometimes you just want to live a normal life.”
At just 22, Reese has quickly become one of the biggest names in the WNBA, not just for her on-court performance but for her massive social media presence. Her ability to grab attention—whether by scoring double-doubles or speaking her mind—has made her a household name. However, Reese admitted that always being in the spotlight comes with a price. “We were talking about just being able to walk down the street casually and not always have to take pictures and sign autographs,” she said. “Sometimes I just want to live a normal 22-year-old life.”
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Reese’s fame skyrocketed during her rookie season, where her unapologetic confidence and standout play made her a force both on and off the court. Her podcast, which she started to share more of her personal experiences, reflects her bold personality, something that fans have grown to love.
She also represents a new era of WNBA stars, alongside fellow rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark, who have helped elevate the league’s profile through their dynamic talents and personalities.
Even before her WNBA debut, Reese’s star power was evident. LSU coach Kim Mulkey recognized her rising popularity, praising her ability to navigate the spotlight. Since then, Reese has earned the nickname “Chicago Barbie” and has been featured in music videos by artists like Cardi B and Latto. Her cultural impact extends far beyond basketball, making her a crossover star in entertainment and sports.
However, the downsides of fame have also taken a toll on Reese. She has dealt with an onslaught of hateful comments on social media, many of which have been racially charged. In her podcast’s inaugural episode, she opened up about the toxicity she faces online, revealing that the hate became so intense that opposing fans began following her from games, making her feel unsafe at times.
One of the most polarizing moments of Reese’s career came during the 2023 NCAA women’s tournament, when her LSU team faced off against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa squad. After a hard-fought game, Reese gave Clark a John Cena “You can’t see me” hand gesture, sparking widespread debate. While some saw it as playful banter, others criticized Reese for what they felt was unsportsmanlike behavior. The moment thrust Reese into a national conversation about sportsmanship, race, and how female athletes are perceived.
The comparisons between Reese and Clark, and their respective fanbases, have drawn parallels to the iconic 1970s rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Even WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert remarked on the impact both players have had on the league’s growing popularity. However, Engelbert avoided addressing the toxic elements within the fanbases, including racism, which has led to the WNBA Players Union calling for more protection and support for athletes like Reese.
Despite the ups and downs, Reese remains focused on her game and the impact she wants to make, not just in basketball but as a role model for young women.
While fame may come with its challenges, Reese is using her platform to advocate for herself and others, showing that she’s more than just a basketball star—she’s a voice for the next generation.
