Reebok Pumps Brand With New WNBA Deal

WNBA: Las Vegas Aces at Chicago Sky — Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

It started with Shaq, who is daring to bring back Reebok as a relevant brand in the billion-dollar basketball sneaker wars.

Shaquille O’Neal donned the Reebok “Pump” in his backboard-breaking dunker days with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers and returned as a decision-maker role with the title of Reebok’s president of basketball. Alongside Allen Iverson, who also rejoined Reebok, the company made a dedicated push to pull in WNBA players.

O’Neal and fellow LSU product Angel Reese, a rookie with the Chicago Sky last season, teamed to launch a shoe – Engine A — and merchandise line, “Reebok by Angel.” The sneaker is scheduled for release in 2026.

Before you see the shoes on the shelves, the brand will be prevalent in the WNBA. The league and Reebok announced a multi-year partnership making Reebok “an authorized footwear supplier for the league” with the brand and its players creating what content that focuses on the game’s rising stars.

“It’s an exciting time for Reebok, the WNBA, and the game of basketball overall,” O’Neal said in a press release Thursday. “Reebok has always been committed to supporting the growth of the sport, and now with a strong plan, the right resources, and the welcoming arms of the WNBA, we’re ready to dive in headfirst with everything from product to players and more.”

In 1997, Reebok launched a signature sure with Rebecca Lobo and by the early 2000s had partnerships with the WNBA and NBA.

“Reebok has been such an amazing partner and advocate for women in sport,” Reese said. “As strong female athletes, we can use our platform to set an example for young players coming up in the sport. I’m happy to see the WNBA and Reebok supporting one another because I know that together we’re so much stronger and our reach is so much further.”