With social media savvy and footwork that would make Hakeem Olajuwon shed a tear, Angel Reese has become one of college basketball's biggest stars over the past year.
The former No. 2 recruit in the entire nation, the Baltimore native came to Baton Rouge as a highly touted talent. She'll leave campus as a likely top-three pick, a headliner on and off the court.
So, just how has "Bayou Barbie" done it? Well, in addition to her sterling on-court reputation, Reese has also cultivated quite the business portfolio since putting on an LSU jersey. In fact, Reese sits in a league of her own when it comes to name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
MORE: How 'Bayou Barbie' started, stuck and became a trademark for LSU star Angel Reese
The Sporting News examines Reese's laundry list of NIL deals, a further indication of her growing influence in the college game.
Angel Reese NIL deals
Reese is swimming in NIL money, and has been since stepping onto LSU's campus. According to a NIL report by Sponsors United, Reese has 17 different sponsors, the most among any college basketball player — men's or women's.
That's tied for the fifth-highest mark in the country, more than gymnastics superstars Jordan Chiles and Livvy Dunne, as well as Miami guards (and social media darlings) Haley and Hanna Cavinder.
Reese is a hooper. But she's also a shrewd businesswomen, one who has leaned into that "Bayou Barbie" persona in recent months. Not only does she have partnerships with more traditional sponsors like Bose and JanSport. Reese also works with fashion brands like Coach and DTLR.
MORE: Angel Reese height, stats, highlights and more to know about LSU star
All of that has made her the most profitable player in March Madness; per On3, a website which tracks athlete's NIL deals, Reese has an expected NIL value of $392,000. For comparison, a max WNBA contract shells out a little over $200,000 per season.
She's in her bag, there's no doubt about it.
With that, here are a few of the highest-profile companies Reese has aligned herself with in recent months.
Coach
Reese has a deep bag on and off the court. She inked a lucrative deal with Coach ahead of the 2022 season. In addition to endorsing the famed purse outfitter, Reese's deal also allowed her to gift her teammates with some leather backpacks earlier in the season.
BAG SZNNNN🔥 Thank you @coach for allowing me to get all my teammates a bag!! pic.twitter.com/hF7gfhxzkF
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 5, 2023
Amazon
Reese gave Amazon her blessing to produce graphic tees last summer. You'd have to imagine those shirts are selling like hotcakes now.
Excited to announce my merch line with you guys! Designed these shirts with @amazon to share with the world!!! Link In Bio🔥 pic.twitter.com/aBj2ReLakq
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 11, 2022
WingStop
Much like any college student, it seems Reese has an appreciation for a good Buffalo wing. She's advertised WingStop's signature items a few times on her Instagram page and appears to be a supporter of boneless wing supremacy. Perhaps an appearance on "Hot Ones" looms in the future?
Bose
Every good hoop mixtape is backed by the perfect soundtrack. Reese is aware of that more than most, sporting a pair of Bose wireless headphones for a recent advertisement. Perhaps she's listening to NBA YoungBoy?
Banter by Piercing Pagoda
One of the more popular ways of expressing individuality is getting unique body piercings. Reese is no stranger to the concept, lending her support to popular body jewelry company Banter by Piercing Pagoda.
MORE: What to know about LSU standout Angel Reese's Maryland roots
Sonic
Since making her bow for the Tigers, Reese has earned a reputation for pushing the tempo, oftentimes flashing down the floor after snagging a rebound to punish a weary defense. Sonic took notice, agreeing to a partnership with the All-American.
Raising Cane's
Reese has adapted to life in the South wonderfully, even lending her likeness to one of the region's biggest fast food brands: Raising Cane's. Who doesn't love biscuits and gravy?
MORE: When is LSU's Angel Reese eligible for the WNBA Draft?
