WNBA star Angel Reese, aka Bayou Barbie, is officially an actual Barbie. In a major three-way collaboration with Mattel and Reebok, Reese has become the first Black WNBA player to receive a signature Barbie doll — marking another milestone in her already impressive career. The collaboration was unveiled during WNBA All-Star Weekend on July 24 before officially launching on Aug. 3. But Reese’s Barbie collaboration is more than a doll — the full collection features Reese’s signature basketball shoes, the Reebok x Barbie: Angel Reese 1s, as well as jerseys, apparel, and accessories.
While celebrity Barbies are nothing new, Reese’s collaboration is happening at a time when women’s basketball is reaching new heights in popularity and media visibility. From record-breaking TV ratings to sold-out games, the WNBA has become a cultural force, and Reese has been one of the leaders of the movement. Her confidence, personal style, and authenticity have made her one of the league’s biggest stars — extending her impact beyond basketball.
The collaboration is a celebration of everything Reese has accomplished, and recognizes the importance of representation for the next generation of athletes and fans.
Why Angel Reese’s Barbie Collaboration is Making History
A Barbie x Bayou Barbie collaboration seems like a no-brainer, and this is exactly what Mattel and Reese thought going into the partnership. For years, Reese leaned into her “Bayou Barbie” identity, proving that women don’t need to tone down their femininity to compete as a professional athlete.
Barbie has a history of collaborating with female role models, and people that young girls can look up to — making Reese a perfect candidate. On the court, Reese plays for the Atlanta Dream and is known for breaking rebounding records and giving every game her all. As impressive as that is, she also created the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which fosters equity for girls and underrepresented groups, and she’s a co-owner of the women’s sports media network TOGETHXR.
The creation of Reese’s Barbie doll was a full-circle moment for Reese, who, in an interview with ScoopB.com, recalled how her first Barbie doll “didn’t look like her,” and she wanted young girls to be able to have a doll that reflects who they are. Reese’s Barbie doll features long pink nails, a sleek ponytail with styled edges, and is sculpted to Reese’s likeness, making it a true doll version of Reese. It shows how representation is made possible through advocates like the WNBA player.
Reese’s Barbie Collaboration Is More Than A Doll — Literally
In addition to the Barbie doll, the Angel x Barbie collection also includes:
- Reebok x Barbie: Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes
- Angel x Barbie Jersey
- Several Angel x Barbie T-Shirts
- Several Angel x Barbie Hats
The Barbie Doll is available through the official Mattel Shop and several online retailers, while the Reebok x Barbie: Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes are available on the official Reebok website and select footwear retailers. The official Angel x Barbie apparel and accessories are available directly though Reese’s official player merchandise store.
Fans Are Celebrating This Historic Collaboration
After the collaboration was announced, fans quickly flooded social media with their excitement, sharing how much they love the collection, and praising how iconic it is.
Even celebrities took part in celebrating Reese and the collaboration, with people like Mariah the Scientist and Love Island USA Season 8 runner-up Aniya Harvey showing up to the Atlanta Dream’s Barbie Game Day on Aug. 3.
Beyond the excitement surrounding the collection, many fans pointed to what the collaboration represents for women’s basketball and the next generation of young athletes. Reese’s Barbie is more than another celebrity doll — it’s a celebration of her impact on the game, and a reminder of how far women’s sports have come.