The numbers are in, and they’ve shaken the sports world.
In a stunning report released Saturday by the Sports Influence Index 2025, Angel Reese — the 22-year-old star forward for the Chicago Sky — has been ranked as the #2 most influential figure in global sports, trailing only NBA icon LeBron James.
The recognition cements Reese’s rise from college sensation to international powerhouse, not only as a WNBA athlete but as a defining voice of her generation.
“She’s not just an athlete — she’s a movement,” said analyst Dr. Renee Matthews, who contributed to the annual index. “What Angel Reese represents goes far beyond basketball. She embodies authenticity, confidence, and cultural change.”
From Baton Rouge to Global Spotlight
Angel Reese’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. After capturing national attention during her championship run at LSU, the “Bayou Barbie” became a household name — blending fierce competitiveness with unapologetic glamour.
Since being drafted by the Chicago Sky, Reese has transformed into a global figure whose reach stretches far beyond the hardwood. From signing multi-million-dollar endorsement deals to walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway — the first professional athlete in history to do so — Reese has bridged the worlds of sports, fashion, and empowerment.
“Angel Reese has changed the way young women see themselves,” said sports marketing executive Lydia Barnes. “She’s proven that you can be powerful and glamorous, dominant and graceful — all at once.”
Power Beyond the Court
According to the Sports Influence Index, Reese’s influence is measured by her impact across four key categories: athletic excellence, social relevance, marketability, and cultural reach.
Her brand partnerships — from Juicy Couture to Gatorade — have become statements of identity and independence. She’s not simply endorsing products; she’s reshaping what it means to be a modern athlete.
Her social media following, now surpassing 25 million across platforms, reflects that global resonance. Whether she’s posting game-day fits, advocating for women’s empowerment, or speaking candidly about mental health, Reese commands attention not through controversy, but through conviction.
“People listen to Angel Reese because she’s real,” said WNBA commentator Monica McNutt. “She’s not afraid to speak her truth — even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s why she’s not just famous. She’s influential.”
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Legends
Landing at #2 on the Sports Influence Index puts Reese in elite company. She ranks ahead of global icons such as Lionel Messi, Serena Williams, Patrick Mahomes, and Naomi Osaka.
But what makes her presence even more remarkable is her age — and her platform. At 22, Reese is the youngest athlete ever to reach the top three of the index, marking a generational shift in how influence is defined.
Gone are the days when dominance on the field alone dictated stardom. Today’s fans — especially Gen Z — crave athletes who stand for something larger. And Reese has become exactly that: a voice for authenticity, diversity, and confidence in every space she enters.
“LeBron James inspired a generation to believe in greatness,” said cultural critic Jamir Wilson. “Angel Reese is inspiring a new generation to believe in themselves.”
Redefining Women’s Basketball
Reese’s impact has also reshaped how women’s basketball is seen — and celebrated. Her games have drawn record-breaking viewership and sponsorship interest, helping fuel what many are calling the “Golden Era” of the WNBA.
With her charisma, style, and unapologetic self-belief, she’s proven that women’s sports are not a niche — they’re a movement.
“I want little girls to see me and know they can be anything,” Reese told TIME earlier this year. “You don’t have to fit in — you can stand out and still win.”
That message has echoed worldwide, resonating not only with aspiring athletes but with anyone who’s ever felt underestimated.
The Legacy Taking Shape
For Angel Reese, the recognition is meaningful — but not defining.
“I’m honored,” she said in a statement Saturday. “But this isn’t about rankings. It’s about impact — and I’m just getting started.”
Her journey from Baton Rouge to global influence has become a blueprint for the next era of athletes — one defined not just by statistics, but by substance.
And as her star continues to rise, one thing is clear: Angel Reese isn’t chasing legends anymore.
She’s becoming one.