Honestly, if you told a sports fan five years ago that a WNBA rebound leader would be walking the Victoria's Secret runway in wings and lace, they'd probably ask what planet you were on. But here we are. In October 2025, Angel Reese didn't just walk a runway; she basically kicked the door down. The "Bayou Barbie" became the first-ever professional athlete to earn her wings as an official Victoria's Secret Angel, and the internet hasn't really stopped talking about it since.
It’s one of those "manifestation" stories that actually came true. Back in 2024, Reese was just a guest in the front row, watching Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks do their thing. She literally posted on her Instagram Story that night: "I'm going to be a Victoria's Secret model one day." Most people probably thought, Yeah, cool, keep dreaming. A year later? She was the one in the pink floral lingerie and the massive feathered wings.
The Night Angel Reese Victoria's Secret Dreams Went Viral
The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn was hyped as this massive comeback, and Reese was the wildcard. She didn't just show up; she had two distinct looks that felt very "her."
Her first walk was in this super soft, three-piece pink floral set. She was carrying a fluffy pink boa and looked surprisingly relaxed for someone whose day job involves boxing out 6-foot-5 centers. Then she came back out for the "Wings Reveal." That was the heavy hitter. She wore a bedazzled pink tee with a cutout over a lace set, silver heels, and those iconic white wings.
People were analyzing her walk like it was game tape. She’d actually hired a modeling coach to prep, telling reporters beforehand that she was "training for both basketball and the fashion show." It showed. She had this little "smize" going on—a nod to Tyra—and a walk that felt more like a victory lap than a nervous debut.
👉 See also: Gladys Knight Weight Loss: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
It Wasn’t All Pink Glitz and Sparkles
Look, we have to talk about the timing, because it was messy. While Reese was getting fitted for wings in New York, her status with the Chicago Sky was kind of a disaster zone.
She’d just come off a suspension for calling out her own front office and teammates in a newspaper interview. Basically, she told the truth about the team needing better players, and the organization wasn't thrilled. Add a late-season back injury to the mix, and you had a lot of fans grumbling that she was "too focused on being a celebrity" instead of a hooper.
Then there’s the whole "sexualization" debate. Back in 2024, Reese got emotional in a press conference about being harassed and sexualized by the media. Fast forward to her walking a lingerie runway, and the critics came out in droves. Sites like OutKick and various YouTube commentators were quick to call her a hypocrite. Their argument? You can't complain about being sexualized and then profit from a brand built on "sexy."
But if you ask Angel, she’d probably tell you that owning her body and being "unapologetically herself" is the whole point. She told People right before the show, "I'm not going to shy away from looking like this, because I work my ass off for this body." For her, it seems like there's a huge difference between being sexualized by others and choosing to be sexy on her own terms.
✨ Don't miss: George W Bush Jr Net Worth: Why He’s Not as Rich as You Think
Why This Deal Is a Business Masterclass
Whether you love her or hate her, you've gotta admit her business team is playing 4D chess. This isn't just a one-off modeling gig. It's a "global partnership."
Think about the brands she’s already collected:
- Reebok: She’s got her own signature shoe, the "Angel Reese 1."
- Beats by Dre: She’s been the face of their major campaigns.
- Juicy Couture: A collaboration that leans into that 2000s "Barbie" aesthetic.
- Togethxr: She actually became a part-owner of the media company.
Her net worth is already estimated to be hovering around $2 million, and that's probably a conservative guess. She’s turned herself into a "hybrid athlete-entrepreneur." By joining the Victoria's Secret Collective, she’s positioning herself alongside people like Naomi Osaka and Suni Lee (who also walked in the 2025 show). She’s moving into a space where she doesn't just need a WNBA salary to be wealthy.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Move
A lot of the "stick to sports" crowd thinks this is a distraction. They see the makeup and the wings and assume she’s quitting basketball.
🔗 Read more: Famous People from Toledo: Why This Ohio City Keeps Producing Giants
But look at the stats. Even in a drama-filled sophomore season, she was averaging a double-double (14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds). She’s the fastest player in league history to hit 600 points and 600 rebounds. The reality is that she’s just doing what male athletes have done for decades—building a brand while playing the game—but she’s doing it in a way that feels disruptive because it’s so feminine.
She’s not trying to be the "next" anyone. She told Vogue she studied Tyra’s bounce and Naomi’s fierceness, but she wanted her own gestures. She’s blending the "Bayou Barbie" persona with a high-fashion "Angel" status, and honestly, the brand fit is almost too perfect.
The "Angel" Blueprint for 2026
If you’re watching this from the sidelines, there are a few things to keep an eye on. First, the WNBA labor dispute is looming. While other players might be worried about their next paycheck, Reese has built a fortress of endorsements that makes her basically untouchable.
Second, expect to see more of her on Amazon Live and Victoria's Secret's social platforms. This wasn't a "one and done" runway walk. It’s a long-term branding play.
What to do if you're following the Reese brand trajectory:
- Watch the "Unapologetically Angel" podcast: She usually drops the real behind-the-scenes tea there about a week after these big events happen.
- Check the Reebok drops: Her fashion deals usually bleed into her footwear designs (expect some pink "Angel" colorways).
- Follow the "Collective" updates: Victoria's Secret is moving away from just "models" and toward "voices," so look for her to be involved in their philanthropic or women's empowerment campaigns throughout 2026.
At the end of the day, Angel Reese getting her wings is just proof that the "athlete" box is getting smaller and smaller. You can grab 20 rebounds on Tuesday and walk a New York runway on Wednesday. In 2026, that's not a contradiction—it's just good business.