5 Jaw-Dropping Moments That Redefined Angel Reese's Image: From Court Superstar To Victoria's Secret Model

Angel Reese, the WNBA's dynamic forward for the Chicago Sky, has become a cultural phenomenon whose influence extends far beyond the basketball court. As of December 13, 2025, her career is a powerful blend of elite sports performance and bold personal branding, consistently placing her at the center of public attention. This unprecedented level of fame, driven by her "Bayou Barbie" persona, has inevitably led to intense scrutiny of her fashion choices, including highly publicized moments where she embraced revealing attire for professional modeling and social media.

The intense curiosity surrounding images of Angel Reese in a thong or other forms of lingerie is directly tied to her groundbreaking work with major fashion houses. These moments are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy to leverage her massive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) value, transforming her into a top-tier celebrity athlete. Her willingness to challenge conventional expectations for female athletes has generated both massive praise and significant controversy, cementing her status as one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures in modern sports.

The Phenomenon: Angel Reese's Complete Professional Profile and Biography

Angel Reese's journey from college basketball standout to WNBA star and global brand ambassador is one of the most compelling stories in recent sports history. Her professional and personal milestones are a testament to her athletic prowess and business acumen.

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• Full Name: Angel C. Reese
• Born: May 6, 2002
• Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
• College: University of Maryland (2020–2022); Louisiana State University (LSU) (2022–2024)
• WNBA Draft: 2024 / Round 1 / Pick 7 (Selected by the Chicago Sky)
• Current Team: Chicago Sky (WNBA)
• Position: Power Forward
• College Career Highlights: 2023 NCAA Champion (LSU), 2024 SEC Player of the Year, First-Team All-American (2023, 2024), Set LSU single-season double-double record.
• WNBA Career Highlights: Two-time WNBA All-Star (2024, 2025), WNBA All-Rookie Team.
• Estimated NIL/Endorsement Value (Pre-WNBA): Approximately $1.8 million (per On3)
• Major Endorsements: Victoria's Secret, Reebok, Topps, Airbnb, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
• Nickname: "Bayou Barbie"

1. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Debut: A Lingerie Milestone

One of the most defining moments that propelled Angel Reese into the fashion spotlight was her debut in the prestigious Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (VSFS). This was a monumental step, marking a significant crossover from the intensity of the basketball court to the glamour of the runway.

Reese was named a Victoria's Secret runway model, a role that saw her don a black bra and panties, complete with wings, for the show. The appearance was not just a modeling gig; it was a powerful statement on body positivity and the modern female athlete’s ability to embrace her femininity and sexuality. The outfit she wore—a sleek, black lingerie set—was widely discussed, with the cheeky coverage of the garment (often referred to as a thong or cheeky panty) becoming a viral image. This moment solidified her place as a fashion icon and a top-tier brand ambassador for the lingerie giant, a partnership that continues to thrive.

2. The Viral SI Swimsuit Feature: Embracing the "Bayou Barbie" Brand

Prior to her WNBA draft, Angel Reese made another high-profile foray into modeling by being featured in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. This feature was instrumental in cultivating her "Bayou Barbie" persona, which she describes as more than just a nickname—it's a blend of "lashes and layups."

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The SI Swimsuit shoot showcased Reese in various alluring and confident poses, often featuring swimwear that was minimal in coverage. These images, which celebrated her fit, athletic physique, directly addressed the public's curiosity about her off-court style. Her participation was a strategic move, aligning her with a brand known for celebrating powerful women and further boosting her already massive NIL valuation, which was one of the highest in college sports at the time. The photos from this shoot, particularly those in skimpy bikinis that resemble thong-style bottoms, are frequently referenced in discussions about her bold public image.

3. The Controversial New Year's Eve Outfit and Social Media Backlash

Angel Reese has never shied away from controversy, and her social media activity is often a lightning rod for public opinion. One specific incident involved her posting a "sexy NYE outfit" on Instagram, which quickly went viral. The outfit, described as a "skimpy fit," drew both admiration and intense criticism, including sexist comments from various social media personalities and commentators.

The backlash was so severe that Reese temporarily deactivated her Instagram account. However, she quickly returned and responded to her critics with a defiant two-word burn, demonstrating her commitment to remaining authentic to her personal style despite the pressure. This episode highlighted the double standard faced by female athletes who choose to express their sexuality and fashion sense publicly. Her choice of attire, which often included form-fitting or revealing pieces like the aforementioned New Year's Eve dress that featured minimal coverage, became a flashpoint in the broader discussion about the intersection of sports, celebrity, and gender.

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4. The Power of Endorsements: Reebok, Airbnb, and the NIL Empire

Angel Reese's modeling and fashion choices are inextricably linked to her business success. Her bold public image is a key asset in securing lucrative endorsement deals. Her NIL valuation reached an impressive $1.8 million, placing her among the top earners in college sports before she went pro.

Her partnerships with global brands like Reebok, Airbnb, and Topps demonstrate her wide-ranging appeal. The Victoria's Secret deal, however, is the most relevant to the public's fascination with her more revealing looks. By partnering with a major lingerie and beauty brand, Reese has successfully commercialized her image, proving that a female athlete can be both a dominant force on the court and a high-fashion model. These deals are now simply called sponsorships since she is a professional WNBA player, but they continue to contribute significantly to her estimated net worth of $1.4 million to $1.5 million in 2024.

5. The Cultural Impact: Redefining the Female Athlete Archetype

Angel Reese’s willingness to wear revealing clothing, whether it’s a thong-style bodysuit on the runway or a skimpy outfit on a night out, is part of a larger cultural shift she is spearheading. She is a polarizing figure, which is a major part of her appeal and commercial power.

She represents a new archetype of the female athlete: one who is unapologetically confident, embraces her sexuality, and uses her platform for self-expression. Her success has sparked conversations about the evolution of women's sports marketing, where personality and fashion are just as important as statistics. By consistently challenging the conservative norms often imposed on women in sports, Angel Reese has not only built a massive personal brand but has also opened doors for future generations of female athletes to express themselves authentically, both in and out of uniform.