Angel Reese welcomes Lauren Betts to Reebok family after going 4th overall in 2026 WNBA Draft

Washington Mystics rookie center Lauren Betts signed a shoe deal with Reebok on Wednesday, becoming the fifth active WNBA player on the brand’s basketball roster. The No. 4 overall draft pick in the 2026 draft now joins Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, DiJonai Carrington, and Lexie Brown as part of the company’s growing investment in women’s basketball.

Reese, who signed with Reebok in 2024 and released her signature sneaker, the Angel Reese 1, in 2025, welcomed Betts with a four-word message on X (formerly Twitter):

“AHHHH! What’s up CHAMP!”

The Atlanta Dream forward also reacted on Instagram to Reebok’s official post, where she commented “another BADDIEEEEE,” suggesting a positive shift in their relationship following a physical on-court altercation during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when LSU defeated UCLA 78–69. In that game, Reese finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds despite suffering a bloody nose following contact with Betts.

Betts enters the league after a superb collegiate season with the Bruins, during which she led the program to its first national championship. The 6-foot-7 center averaged 17.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while also earning both Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Her signing dovetails with Reebok’s broader strategy since relaunching its basketball division in 2024, which has focused on emerging talent across the WNBA. Betts is also reportedly in line for her own signature shoe, though no release date has been confirmed.

The commercial momentum isn’t limited to Betts. Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson also secured an endorsement deal with Adidas this week, highlighting the rising value of draft status in the marketing world.

Betts will report to the Mystics training camp on April 19, with the team’s preseason beginning on April 25 against the Minnesota Lynx. The 2o26 regular season begins Friday, May 8, with Betts set to face Reese for the first time on June 6 in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

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