Angel Reese is officially a Barbie, and this isn’t just about a doll, folks. This is only the second time in WNBA history an athlete has gotten a doll made in their likeness, making it a truly massive moment for the league and for young fans everywhere. The Angel Reese Signature Barbie doll became available nationwide on July 24, right in the middle of WNBA All-Star weekend. Talk about making a splash when everyone’s watching, right?
Bayou Barbie’s Dream Becomes Reality
We all know Reese earned her “Bayou Barbie” nickname during LSU’s 2023 national championship run, and now that moniker has exploded into something tangible. This isn’t just a clever name anymore, it’s a miniature version of herself, ready for young fans to hold. The doll is rocking a pink basketball jersey with her WNBA No. 5 on the front and her LSU No. 10 on the back. It’s got a pink basketball printed with “Barbie” on the side, and that signature sleek ponytail is topped off with a pink headband. And yeah, she’s even wearing the Barbie colorway of the Angel Reese 1 shoes. Speaking of those kicks, the Angel Reese 1 by Reebok in that same Barbie-inspired pink officially drops on August 3. Coincidence? Nope. That’s the same day Reese’s Atlanta Dream is hosting the Las Vegas Aces for a Barbie-themed game night at State Farm Arena. Get ready for a lot of pink, Emerald City!
Reese Speaks It Into Existence, Inspiring a Generation
Reese herself called this a “true dream come true,” and you can feel her passion when she talks about it. She said it’s an “incredible honor” and that it’s all about “showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve.” How awesome is that? Reese added that she’s “never let anyone else define what’s possible” for her and that “every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger.” She really hopes this doll reminds girls to “be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.” She’s been chasing this, too. Reese shared during All-Star media availability that owning her own doll became one of her biggest goals once she adopted the “Bayou Barbie” name. She even admitted, “I used to put Barbie stuff on merch, and I wasn’t really supposed to. So I told them (Mattel) I really want to have a Barbie doll one day. To have a Barbie, you got to be iconic. You have to do some real things, and I knew it would take some time… I knew that’s what I wanted, and I spoke it into existence.” Seriously, you gotta respect that hustle and vision.
What This Icon Status Means
Reese was right, you do have to be iconic. Because, get this: only one other WNBA star has ever pulled this off. Our very own Seattle Storm legend and Hall of Famer, Sue Bird, was the first. But here’s the kicker: Sue got hers after she retired. Angel Reese is getting hers while she’s still in the thick of it, making history, and inspiring a whole new generation. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a statement about where the WNBA is headed and the power of its athletes. What a moment for the league!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
Leave a Reply