Angel Reese: BIGGER than the game of Basketball

This episode dives into the cultural force that is Angel Reese and her rapid growth from college star to global icon, and her influence on the WNBA.  We review the WNBA Finals and the dynasty led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.  First impressions of the new Australian WNBL - likes and dislikes - and how the announcement of Project B could reshape women’s basketball as soon as in 2026. And the possibility of a WNBA game in Australia.  The conversation highlights why authenticity, personality, and brand power are driving fan engagement like never before.

Top Takeaways

• Angel Reese is positioning herself as a cultural icon beyond the court as shown by her Victoria Secret runway appearance and in Netflix’s “The House of Dynamite”.
• 60% of new WNBA fans say Angel Reese is why they started watching.
  • With three titles in four years the Las Vegas Aces are a dynasty team lead by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.  But will they stay next year.  
• Is A’ja Wilson the greatest WNBA of all-time?
• The new Australian started well with the opening game at John Cain Arena and the quality of the broadcast. 
• The announcement of Project B will disrupt the landscape of women’s basketball with the level of investment in a new global league model.
  • There are some interesting new import signings in the Australian WNBL.

 

Sponsor:

www.uncloud.org 

 

Chapters

00:00 The cultural force that is Angel Reese and her influence on the WNBA
08:30 Reflecting on the WNBA Finals and the performance of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young
12:00 Will they stay with the Aces
13:30 First impressions of the new Australian WNBL

21:50 Message from UNCLOUD
22:20 The potential impact of Project B in 2026 (the LIV golf of women’s basketball)
26:30 Australian WNBL import signings

27:50 WNBA Head Coach roundabout

30:00 WNBA in Australia - why not ?

 

Angel Reese, WNBA, women’s basketball, Project B, authenticity, WNBL, women’s sports growth, Aces dynasty, A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray. Jackie Young, Sandy Brondello, Han Xu

 

References: 

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/angel-reese-2025-victorias-secret-fashion-show

https://andscape.com/features/aja-wilson-jackie-young-and-chelsea-gray-are-at-the-heart-of-las-vegas-aces-success/

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/10/09/project-b-aims-to-build-global-womens-basketball-league-eyes-mens-expansion/

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46675630/wnba-cba-updates-negotiations-latest

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