LSU Tigers star Angel Reese is not only one of the best players in all of college basketball, but it also one of the most marketable collegiate athletes, regardless of gender. And she seems to know that, which may cause her to stay at LSU for another year instead of declaring for the upcoming WNBA Draft.
The implementation of NIL deals into collegiate sports has completely shifted the landscape of the NCAA, perhaps to the point where college players may actually be doing themselves a favor financially to stay in college instead of transitioning to the pros.
Ahead of LSU’s First Round matchup in the NCAA Tournament against the Rice Owls, Reese spoke about her looming decision, saying that she is “going to be able to make money” regardless of whether or not she wants to turn professional.
“For me, I have honestly learned that regardless I’m going to be able to make money. Staying or going. My brand has been built where I know that more than being in college is something that I can do. I have a brand outside of her, the deals are going to follow me if I leave or stay. I have built that relationship with a lot of these brands. I don’t just have brands that are in college. I have long-term deals.”
"Regardless, I'm going to be able to make money."
Angel Reese says her brand deals will follow her to the WNBA if she decides to go pro at the end of the season 🗣️ @Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/QlrDAeyxTy
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 21, 2024
This comment can obviously be taken one of two ways. This could mean that Reese is saying that she could be leaning towards going to the WNBA because of her belief that her brand deals will be long-term and follow her to the league.
Or, Reese could potentially be saying that she is okay with staying in college because of her comfortability right now at the collegiate level and her brands.
Regardless, it should certainly be interesting to see what she decides, and if the team’s NCAA Tournament run influences her decision at all.
