Shaquille O’Neal is already making major calls over at Reebok with the NIL signing of Louisiana State University basketball star Angel Reese.
As AFROTECH previously told you earlier this month, O’Neal became the footwear and clothing company’s president of basketball. In his new role, the NBA legend will form partnerships with athletes and organizations, as well as support Reebok’s long-term strategy. O’Neal’s new appointment put him alongside fellow former NBA superstar Allen Iverson, who is Reebok’s vice president of basketball.
“It’s all about product, players and the community and having the confidence to do things our own way,” O’Neal shared, according to Footwear News. “We need to capitalize on Reebok’s heritage and product expertise in the sport for today’s youth, but also focus on getting involved in the community from a grassroots level. We’re going to bring in a new generation of players who have strong authenticity and passion, or what I like to refer to as the ‘it’ factor, who can put their own mark on this brand and make it relevant to a whole new generation.”
O’Neal has wasted no time on his mission, as it was announced on Oct. 17 that fellow LSU Tiger Angel Reese has inked an NIL deal with Reebok, according to Sports Illustrated. The basketball sensation is the company’s first major NIL signing.
“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT,” O’Neal shared, per the outlet. “There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese.”
He continued, “Angel is shaking up the space, just like Reebok has done all along. I’m proud to welcome Angel into the Reebok family and can’t wait to see how she will bring the brand’s legacy to the next generation.”
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As a Reebok signee, the outlet notes that Reese will star in Reebok campaigns as well as work with its product team. What’s more, the company plans to support her Angel C. Reese Foundation.
“I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid,” Reese said. “It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation. Together, I think we have a great opportunity to do things differently, to inspire people to explore and express themselves unapologetically, and to show them how to look and feel good while doing it.”
Reese is expected to release her Reebok collection in 2024.
