Angel Reese LEGALLY TRADEMARKS Her Own Name! Bootleg T-Shirt Makers Will Be FURIOUS!

Angel Reese, one of the most recognizable and outspoken stars in the WNBA, has just made a major power move off the court — she’s officially trademarked her own name. The Chicago Sky forward, known to fans as the “Bayou Barbie,” has taken legal steps to protect her personal brand, sending a clear message to bootleg merchandise sellers: the free ride is over.

According to legal filings confirmed earlier this week, Reese secured exclusive rights to her name, signature phrases, and certain variations of her nickname. This means any company or individual attempting to profit from her likeness or brand without authorization could face legal action.

In a statement posted to social media, Reese proudly announced the milestone: “I’ve worked hard to build my brand — now it’s protected. This is about ownership and empowerment. I’m not just an athlete; I’m a businesswoman.”

The move comes as Reese’s popularity continues to skyrocket following her breakout rookie season. Between endorsement deals, fashion collaborations, and her ever-growing online presence, she’s become one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports. But that visibility has also attracted an army of bootleggers, with unauthorized t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel flooding online marketplaces featuring her name and image.

For months, fans and reporters noticed unlicensed merchandise being sold after Reese’s viral moments — from her NCAA championship run at LSU to her debut in the WNBA. Many of these knockoff items featured slogans like “Angel Energy” and “Bayou Barbie,” which have now been added to her list of protected trademarks.

“This is a game-changer,” said sports branding analyst Monica Taylor. “Athletes like Angel Reese are taking control of their image in ways that used to be reserved for male superstars. She’s setting a new standard for how women in sports manage their business.”

The trademark also represents a broader shift in how female athletes are leveraging their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Since the NCAA’s NIL policy change, Reese has been at the forefront of athlete entrepreneurship, turning her confidence and charisma into a multimillion-dollar empire.

Still, not everyone is thrilled about the move — especially the unofficial vendors who have profited from her fame. Online sellers flooded social media forums complaining that they’ll now have to stop producing Angel Reese-themed gear or risk legal penalties. One reseller wrote, “Guess the hustle’s over — she’s protecting everything now.”

Meanwhile, Reese’s supporters see it as a moment of triumph. Fans flooded her comment sections with messages like “Secure the bag!” and “Own your name, Queen!” — celebrating her for turning fame into long-term power.

With her name now legally protected, Angel Reese joins a growing list of athletes who have transformed their personal brands into legitimate businesses. From LeBron James to Serena Williams, the message is clear: in the modern sports world, control is everything.

And for Angel Reese, the “Bayou Barbie” isn’t just a nickname anymore — it’s a trademark, a legacy, and a warning to anyone thinking about cashing in without permission.