Barbie Honors WNBA Star Angel Reese with New Doll: ‘It Truly Feels Like Me’ (Exclusive)

Charlotte Phillipp, Hedy PhillipsFri, July 24, 2026 at 1:16 PM UTC

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Angel Reese with her brand-new Barbie.Credit: Jacob Webster -

Angel Reese is getting her own Barbie doll, along with doll- and fan-sized versions of her Reebok Angel Reese 1s

The doll features personalized details including her jersey and Barbie pink Reebok sneakers inspired by her basketball and fashion passions

“My doll reflects both my love of basketball and fashion because I’ve always believed you never have to choose between being fierce on the court and expressing who you are off it,” Reese tells PEOPLE

Angel Reese is joining the list of superstar athletes who have their very own Barbie doll!

On Friday, July 24, just ahead of WNBA All-Star Weekend, Barbie announced that it would be unveiling an Angel Reese Barbie Signature Doll.

The toy brand is also dropping special Reebok Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes in a new Barbie-inspired colorway — as well as a matching pair available for fans.

In its announcement, Barbie wrote that the Atlanta Dream player, 24, is receiving the honor for her work both on and off the basketball court.

“While Angel Reese undoubtedly makes history on the court, her influence reaches far beyond basketball,” the brand shared. “Through the Angel C. Reese Foundation, she champions equity for girls and underrepresented communities by expanding access to sports, education, financial literacy, and other opportunities that have historically been limited.”

Angel Reese’s Barbie doll.Credit: Mattel Inc

Chatting exclusively with PEOPLE about her brand-new doll, the star forward shared that getting the doll made in her likeness feels like a “full-circle moment” — especially considering her college basketball nickname at Louisiana State University was “Bayou Barbie.”

“It’s honestly a dream come true for me,” Reese shares. “...Barbie is an iconic brand, and to be part of that legacy is something I’m really proud of. It’s bigger than basketball for me. It’s about inspiring young girls to dream big, be confident, and know they can be exactly who they are.”

“Seeing myself as a Barbie was surreal, but what impressed me most was how thoughtfully every detail was brought to life,” the WNBA star continues, sharing that she “couldn’t stop smiling” when she saw her Barbie for the first time.

Reese tells PEOPLE she was stunned at the small details included in the doll’s design, including everything from her jersey (featuring both No. 5, for the Dream, and No. 10, for the Chicago Sky and LSU), leggings, headband and her Barbie pink Reeboks.

“What I love most is that it doesn’t just look like me — it truly feels like me. My doll reflects both my love of basketball and fashion because I’ve always believed you never have to choose between being fierce on the court and expressing who you are off it. Seeing every little detail come together made this incredibly personal, and it was one of those moments where everything I’ve worked so hard for really hit me.”

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The basketball star adds that she was “definitely a Barbie girl growing up” — and has always felt inspired by the iconic doll’s mentality of being anything she wants to be.

“I hope every little girl who picks up my doll sees someone who embraces every part of who she is, and is inspired to do the same,” she says.

Angel Reese for Barbie.Credit: Jacob Webster

For Reese, the fact that young girls, particularly young Black girls, will be able to see themselves represented “means everything.”

“Representation is so important because when you can see yourself in someone else’s success, it makes your own dreams feel possible,” she explains. “I hope young girls — especially young Black girls — look at this doll and know they belong in every room, every arena, every conversation they want to be part of. I want them to know they never have to shrink themselves to succeed.”

As for the advice she would share with any young women wanting to follow in her footsteps, Reese says that she always reminds people that “you don’t have to stay in one lane.”

“Basketball is my passion and what opened the door for me, but I’ve also been able to build businesses, work in fashion, give back to my community through my foundation, and forge incredible partnerships like this with Mattel and Reebok,” she shares. “I want young people everywhere to see that you can chase all of your passions, work hard, and stay true to yourself. That’s what I’m all about.”

Angel Reese with her Barbie.Credit: Jacob Webster

Reflecting on the accomplishments that led to Barbie creating a special doll for Reese, the pro athlete shared that she’s proud of her accomplishments both on and off the court.

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“Off the court, I’m proud of building something that’s bigger than basketball. Whether it’s giving back through my foundation, creating opportunities for young girls, or partnering with brands like Barbie that let me inspire people in a different way, that’s what means the most to me,” she says. “I’m grateful to be able to use my platform to show that you can embrace every side of who you are and make an impact beyond the game.”

“On the court, winning a national championship will always be one of the proudest moments of my career,” Reese continues. “But every new chapter has challenged me in different ways and pushed me to keep growing. Right now, my focus is my team and bringing a WNBA championship to Atlanta. I know there’s still so much more I want to accomplish and I’m just getting started.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”