By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel says its Barbie division is releasing a doll modeled after professional basketball player, entrepreneur and philanthropist Angel Reese.
The new doll, created in partnership with Reebok, is part of an effort the company says celebrates her influence on sports, business, fashion and culture.
The doll is dressed in Barbie’s signature style, and wears Reebok Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes in a pink colorway. A matching pair of the Reebok shoes is also being released for fans to purchase and wear in real life.
Nathan Baynard, vice president and head of Barbie at Mattel, said the doll reflects the company’s broader mission to highlight figures who inspire young people.
“Barbie honors role models who inspire girls to imagine what’s possible,” Baynard said. “From her on-court achievements and entrepreneurial leadership to her tireless advocacy for girls, Angel Reese is helping children see that confidence, ambition and resilience can open countless doors. We’re proud to honor her through our Barbie Signature doll and collaboration with Reebok, giving fans new ways to celebrate Angel and all she represents.”
Beyond her basketball career, Reese runs the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which works to expand access to sports, education and financial literacy for girls and underrepresented communities.
Reese said that’s one reason the doll carries personal significance for her.
“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me,” Reese said. “It’s such an incredible honor because it’s about showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
“I’ve never let anyone else define what’s possible for me, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger,” Reese added. “I hope this doll reminds girls to be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.”
The Reebok shoes, available in adult and kids’ sizing, feature pink accents and co-branded elements on the tongue and sockliner.
Todd Krinsky, chief executive of Reebok, said the shoe line ties directly into the doll’s debut.
“We’re proud to see her Barbie doll debut wearing Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes in this vibrant new Barbie colorway and to bring that same style directly to fans,” Krinsky said. “This moment celebrates Angel’s impact on sport, style and culture while giving fans the chance to match Angel’s iconic look and be part of the moment.”
The doll and shoes debuted at TOGETHXR House in Chicago during the NBA All-Star Weekend. TOGETHXR, a women’s sports media company that counts Reese as a co-owner, hosted the event, which included a display called the Angel Reese Dream Closet where fans could pose in a life-size Barbie box and view the new products.
Reese also collaborated with Barbie on a limited-edition apparel line, including a custom jersey and other branded items, available at the Dream Closet and on TheAngelReese.com. The event was open to the public July 24 and July 25, from noon to 5 p.m. Central time.
Bailey Williamson, senior vice president of partnerships at TOGETHXR, said the collaboration reflects the growing prominence of women’s sports.
“Women’s sports are driving culture like never before, and this collaboration is proof of what’s possible when iconic brands invest in the athletes leading that movement,” Williamson said. “At TOGETHXR, we’re proud to bring together partners like Barbie and Reebok with trailblazers like Angel Reese, who recently joined our ownership group, to create moments that celebrate the power and influence of women’s sports.
“We’re thrilled that TOGETHXR House is where fans will experience this launch firsthand. It’s more than a product release,” Williamson added. “It’s a celebration of confidence, individuality and the growing influence of women athletes across sport, style and culture, while showing the next generation just how expansive the future can be.”
The Angel Reese Barbie Signature doll is available exclusively in stores at Target, and online through Target, Walmart, Amazon and Mattel Shop. The Reebok Angel Reese 1 “Barbie” basketball shoes go on sale Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Reebok.com, and at DICK’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker.
Barbie also plans further recognition of women in sports next month. The Atlanta Dream, Reese’s team, will host a Barbie Game Day during its matchup against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Aug. 3. Ticket packages for the game include co-branded merchandise such as a headband, a crossbody bag and a jersey featuring Reese’s number.
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