Reebok partners with WNBA to highlight return to basketball

REEBOK has partnered with the WNBA in a long-term collaboration, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing support for women’s sports.

As an official footwear supplier for the league, Reebok has committed to increasing the visibility of the WNBA through content creation featuring emerging stars like Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Lexie Brown of the Los Angeles Sparks.

This partnership reflects the continuous growth of the WNBA, which has been gaining momentum and attracting major brands.

Colie Edison, the chief growth officer of the WNBA, stated that the league’s expanding reach presents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Reebok in a way that inspires the next generation of basketball players and fans.

“The WNBA continues to grow with iconic brands,” Edison said. “We are excited to have Reebok join us in propelling women’s basketball to new heights.”

Reebok, known for its strong presence in sports culture, has expressed its intention to reclaim its position in basketball. In 2021, the brand announced its plans to revitalize its basketball division by appointing basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson to key leadership positions. Shortly after, they signed Angel Reese, the promising star who has since become a prominent figure for the brand.

Call him President Shaq

“It’s an exciting time for Reebok, the WNBA, and the basketball community as a whole,” said Shaquille O’Neal, president of Reebok Basketball. “We are eager to fully engage with everything from products to players and more.”

Reese, who launched her debut Reebok collection, “Reebok by Angel,” in the past summer, has already made an impact both on and off the court. The collection includes the “Engine A,” a new performance basketball shoe that signifies a milestone for the brand. In late 2023, Reese and Reebok extended their partnership, and fans can anticipate a signature sneaker release in 2026—making her only the second WNBA player to receive a signature shoe from the brand.

Reflecting on the partnership, Reese expressed her excitement: “Reebok has been an incredible partner and advocate for women in sports. As strong female athletes, we can leverage our platform to set an example for young players emerging in the sport. I am thrilled to see the WNBA and Reebok supporting each other because together we are much stronger, and our reach is much broader.”

PHOTO: Reebok

Reebok’s involvement with women’s basketball dates back to the 1980s when they began producing basketball shoes specifically for women. Throughout the ’90s, Reebok sponsored some of the top women’s collegiate teams, and in 1997, the brand made history by giving basketball legend Rebecca Lobo her own signature shoe. The company has also been engaged with the WNBA since its early years, establishing marketing partnerships and supporting significant events like the first-ever women’s high school All-American game in 2002.

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Today, Reebok’s dedication to women’s basketball continues, with new partnerships expanding beyond the U.S. to leagues in the UK and Australia. By aligning with the WNBA, Reebok aims to further enhance the visibility of women’s sports while upholding a legacy of innovation and support for athletes.

With Reebok’s deep connection to basketball and its forward-thinking approach, this partnership signifies an exciting new chapter for both the brand and the WNBA, as they collaborate to elevate the game and inspire future generations of athletes.

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