Everything We Know About WNBA Rookie, Angel Reese—The Latest Athlete To Own A Soccer Club
Angel Reese, a newly signed WNBA player, is swiftly becoming known for breaking expectations. The Chicago Sky selected her seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and she is immediately making an impact on the floor, averaging 11.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in her first two games. But Reese’s ambitions go far beyond the basketball floor. Many people were startled when she just became a part-owner of the DC Power Football Club, a brand new professional women’s soccer team. Let’s dig deeper into the narrative of this multi-talented athlete and her most recent business venture.
Reese’s adventure began in Randallstown, Maryland, where she trained at St. Frances Academy. Her athleticism was noticeable early on, and she quickly progressed through the ranks of LSU’s collegiate basketball program.
Reese was more than just a talented player; she was also a savvy marketer, capitalizing on the advent of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, which determines a player’s valuation based on factors such as success in their respective sport, popularity and recognizability,.
and followers on various social media platforms. Despite an estimated NIL worth of $1.8 million, she secured lucrative sponsorships with big brands such as Reebok and Sports Illustrated, solidifying her position as a marketable athlete.
Angel Reese aimed for more than just basketball before joining the WNBA. According to reports, she has been in talks with DC Power FC’s ownership group since she was in college. This culminated in a historic announcement: Reese, then 22, became a partial owner of the new women’s soccer team.
This action not only establishes her as a role model for ambitious female athletes, but also marks a watershed moment in sports ownership. While the exact percentage of her ownership position has not been disclosed, it is believed to be roughly 5%, funded solely from her cash reserves.
When asked about her decision to invest in the DC Power FC, Reese’s commitment for expanding women’s sports is evident.”My goal is to promote and advance female players in all sports,” she said. This coincides well with the establishment of the USL Super League (USLS), in which the DC Power FC will compete.
This new league, which has Division I status from US Soccer, intends to considerably raise the reputation of women’s professional soccer in the United States. There’s also a local link at work—Reese, a Maryland native, sees his investment as a way to empower the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) sports community, particularly female players.
Reese’s ownership stake in DC Power FC extends beyond a financial investment. Her star power as a WNBA rookie will definitely attract new fans to women’s soccer.
This cross-promotion between sports might be mutually beneficial, with the DC Power FC garnering basketball fans interested in the beautiful game while also introducing Reese’s supporters to another group of exceptional female athletes.
There’s also a good chance that Reese can use her business knowledge to help the team’s off-field activities. Her experience with NIL deals and personal branding might be extremely beneficial in marketing and promoting DC Power FC.
While athlete ownership in professional sports is not new, Reese’s narrative is especially noteworthy. She is a young athlete at the start of her professional career, but she has already invested in the future of another sport.
This might pave the way for a new generation of athlete-owners, particularly those who are committed to the advancement of women’s sports. It’s also important considering the economical issue. With the advent of NIL deals and the growing marketability of female athletes, rising stars like Reese may have the resources to make similar ownership moves in the future.
On the court, Angel Reese is already establishing herself as a rising star in the WNBA. Off the court, her ownership involvement in the DC Power FC demonstrates a dedication to advancing women’s sports in general. She is a young woman with a promising future.
Whether she is dominating the court or helping to expand women’s soccer, one thing is certain: Angel Reese is a name to remember. It will be fascinating to see how her twin positions as athlete and owner play out in the coming years.
