Angel Reese Turns Criticism Into Gold: How the “Mebounds” Phenomenon is Changing the Game and Raising Funds for a Good Cause

Angel Reese has made a name for herself not only with her impressive skills on the court but also with her savvy ability to turn criticism into opportunity. In a brilliant business move, the WNBA star has taken a term used to deride her—”mebounds”—and flipped it into a profitable and charitable venture. The move is nothing short of a masterstroke, turning what was once a negative comment into a platform for positive change.

Reese, who is in only her second season in the WNBA, has already etched her name into the history books. Known for her tenacity as a rebounder, she’s made a record for the most rebounds in the first 50 games of any WNBA career, and she’s also the fastest player in league history to hit 500 points and 500 rebounds. On the court, she’s an unstoppable force—averaging 11.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, along with 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals. But it’s what she’s done off the court that’s catching the world’s attention in a major way.

The Birth of “Mebounds” and “Reesebounds”

It all started with a comment that many would consider a slight. During a broadcast of one of Reese’s games, a play-by-play announcer referred to her ability to collect rebounds as “mebounds”—a seemingly playful, yet pejorative, term that poked fun at her tendency to grab almost every missed shot. Instead of shrinking from the comment, Reese did what she does best: she followed the shot.

In a bold and savvy move, Reese filed for a trademark of the term “mebounds” on June 14. The trademark application is still pending, but it’s already making waves in both the basketball and business worlds. Not only did Reese turn a negative comment into a catchphrase, but she also capitalized on it by launching a merchandise line under the “mebounds” brand. The collection, which includes hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and slides, is priced between $28 and $75, with a portion of the proceeds going to support cyberbullying prevention through The Angel C. Reese Foundation.

But Reese didn’t stop there. Seeing the potential for even more branding, she filed another trademark application on June 20 for the term “Reesebounds,” ensuring that her influence extends even further into the world of apparel and merchandise. This strategy is a perfect example of how she is harnessing the power of her name and reputation to create a lasting impact.

A Charitable Spin: Supporting Cyberbullying Prevention

What sets Reese apart isn’t just her basketball prowess; it’s her ability to use her platform for good. By redirecting the negativity associated with “mebounds” into a charitable cause, Reese is turning the tables on critics and channeling her success into a mission to fight cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a rampant issue, especially in the digital age, and Reese has experienced firsthand how online hate can affect young people. She’s using her new “mebounds” brand to raise awareness and funds for the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which works to combat cyberbullying and provide support for those affected by it. This combination of entrepreneurship and philanthropy is a powerful message to her fans and fellow athletes alike: turn adversity into action.

Reese’s initiative is something that not only elevates her brand but also sends a broader message about the importance of using personal influence to help others. By taking a term that was used to diminish her and using it to empower others, Reese has shown that there’s more to success than just sports statistics—it’s about building a legacy.

“Mebounds”: A Six-Figure Opportunity

In a TikTok video posted shortly after filing the “mebounds” trademark, Reese showed just how astute a businesswoman she is. “Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate that up because ‘mebounds,’ rebounds, ‘crebounds’ … anything that comes off that board, it’s mine,” she said, acknowledging the creativity and business potential behind the phrase. “And a brand? That’s six figures right there.”

For Reese, the term “mebounds” is more than just a play on words. It represents the opportunity to expand her brand while creating something that resonates with her fans. She’s turned a slight into a savvy business strategy that not only increases her brand profile but also ties her name to a cause she deeply believes in.

Her strategy is a prime example of how modern athletes are taking control of their narratives and shaping their futures off the court. Reese is not just a basketball player; she’s becoming a mogul in the making, carefully cultivating a brand that reflects both her skills and her values.

On the Court: Reese’s Rising Star

While Reese’s business ventures are garnering attention, she’s not letting it distract her from her on-court performance. In fact, Reese’s basketball game is a huge part of the brand she’s building. As one of the most dominant rebounders in WNBA history, Reese is setting records left and right. Her 11.7 points per game and 12.3 rebounds per game are just the beginning—she’s also been integral to the Chicago Sky’s offense, playing a role similar to that of A’ja Wilson with the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart with the New York Liberty.

Reese’s versatility is key to her growth as a player. Under the guidance of head coach Tyler Marsh, she’s expected to bring the ball up the floor after collecting rebounds and facilitate the offense. This role expansion reflects her overall development, as the Sky build a more veteran-heavy roster to complement Reese’s potential. “It’s something you can’t really put a price on,” Marsh said of the veteran leadership surrounding Reese this season. “They’ve shown their value long time on the court, but they certainly have value in our locker room as well.”

With her game growing and her brand expanding, it’s clear that Reese is positioning herself for long-term success—both in basketball and beyond.

Reese’s Future: A Brand to Watch

Angel Reese’s ability to turn criticism into opportunity is a story that resonates far beyond the sports world. She’s not just rewriting the playbook on how athletes handle public criticism; she’s turning the tables and setting new standards for athletes who want to make an impact on and off the court.

By leveraging the “mebounds” term for charitable purposes, she’s showing that being a successful athlete isn’t just about scoring points—it’s about creating a positive legacy that lasts. Whether she’s setting WNBA records, leading her team to success, or launching her own branded merchandise for a good cause, Reese is proving that the sky’s the limit for what she can achieve.

For fans, critics, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, Angel Reese’s story is one to watch closely. She’s not just playing the game—she’s changing it.