Angel Reese’s “Bayou Barbie” nickname now has more meaning and reach on her mission to inspire young girls and grow as a cultural figure.
The Atlanta Dream All-Star’s signature Barbie doll will debut for the WNBA’s All-Star weekend. Reese picked up the “Bayou Barbie” nickname while starring at LSU, where she was part of the 2023 NCAA Champions.
Reese’s signature doll is the latest example of her impact beyond the WNBA. Seattle legend Sue Bird also had a signature Barbie that was released in 2024, after her retirement in 2022. Reese is only in her third WNBA season, and her first in Atlanta.
Barbie dolls have been available since 1959 and have routinely been used to highlight different careers via outfits and accessories. The brand has highlighted significant women in sports in recent years, too. Singers Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Diana Ross are among celebrities to have a signature doll over the years.
Mattel honored 10 women in 2024 as trailblazers in sports, including tennis legend Venus Williams. Tennis player Naomi Osaka, gymnast Gabby Douglas and soccer player Alex Morgan are among other athletes to have the honor.
Reese has been open about her desire to make an impact beyond sports by inspiring youth and establishing her brand in fashion, acting and more. Reese continues to reach consumers who might not watch basketball via these ventures. Gamers saw her on the cover of one edition of the 2K26 video game last year.
Reese’s stardom has been ascending dating back to her collegiate days. The No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has remained an impactful player as a pro while remaining a large figure in pop culture away from the game.
Reese is appearing Saturday in her third All-Star game in three seasons, the first two with Chicago. She is averaging a career-high 15.4 points and is second in the league in rebounds, averaging 11.5 boards in her first season in Atlanta. The Dream are 16-10 at the All-Star break, the sixth-best record in the league.
The doll is dressed in a pink basketball uniform with “Angel” on the front of a No. 5 jersey, a pink leg sleeve and a pink headband. The doll is a partnership with Reebok and will feature the Angel Reese 1 shoe on the doll in a Barbie-inspired pink colorway. The doll and shoes will be a part of the Angel Reese Dream Closet fan experience during All-Star weekend in Chicago. Reese’s doll is debuting where she began her WNBA career. Reese was traded to Atlanta after the 2025 season, but remains popular in Chicago.
“Throughout my basketball journey, I’ve always played by my own rules and refused to let anyone limit what I can achieve,” Reese said in a statement. “Now, it’s my mission to inspire others to realize they have that same power to overcome their doubts and rebound from any obstacle. I hope young girls can look at this doll, lace up their Reeboks and feel inspired to confidently step into their power.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Atlanta Dream, WNBA
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