Angel Reese Makes Headlines Again—This Time for Her Bold and Controversial “MEBounds” Trademark Move

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time, it’s not her on-court dominance grabbing headlines—it’s a business move off the court that has everyone talking. The 22-year-old WNBA star has just filed for a trademark on the phrase “MEBounds,” a clever play on her reputation as one of the league’s most tenacious rebounders.

But while Reese’s intention was to build her personal brand, what followed was a wave of unexpected controversy, social media mockery, and—ironically—a new kind of historic milestone she likely didn’t anticipate.

What Exactly Is “MEBounds”?

The term “MEBounds” is Reese’s signature spin on “rebounds,” a nod to her aggressive style of play in the paint. Throughout both her college career at LSU and her current rookie season with the Sky, Reese has earned a reputation for cleaning the glass like few others.

The trademark filing covers a wide range of possible uses: apparel, merchandise, social media branding, and possibly even future NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Simply put, Reese wants to own the rights to the phrase—turning her on-court identity into a marketable business asset.

For Reese, this is a savvy next step in building her empire. She’s following in the footsteps of athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams, who have successfully parlayed athletic success into multimillion-dollar brands.

The Social Media Backlash: When Branding Meets Public Opinion

But as the news broke, Reese quickly found herself at the center of a Twitter storm.

Rather than universal praise, her trademark announcement was met with a wave of memes, jokes, and criticism. Some fans applauded her hustle and entrepreneurial spirit, while others called the phrase awkward, corny, or just plain confusing.

Phrases like “What does that even mean?” and “This sounds like a bad energy drink” began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Popular sports talk shows poked fun at the name, and countless memes popped up comparing “MEBounds” to everything from failed shoe brands to rejected rap album titles.

One viral post read:
“Angel Reese is great at rebounds… but this brand? Not so much.”

A New Kind of History—And Not the Kind She Expected

In filing for this trademark, Angel Reese unintentionally became one of the first WNBA players whose personal brand initiative sparked this level of widespread internet mockery.

While many male athletes have launched questionable branding efforts over the years, few women’s basketball players have faced this kind of viral backlash over a trademark move. In a sense, Reese is breaking new ground—even if it’s not exactly the kind she envisioned.

But if her career so far is any indication, Reese won’t let a little online noise slow her down.

Reese’s Resilience: Bouncing Back Is What She Does Best

Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here.

Angel Reese didn’t earn the nickname “Bayou Barbie” by playing it safe. She’s built her career on bold moves, outspoken moments, and fearless confidence—on and off the court.

In post-game interviews, Reese has never shied away from speaking her mind. Whether she’s calling out critics, celebrating her wins, or defending teammates, she embraces the spotlight in all its messy, unpredictable glory.

And in many ways, the “MEBounds” moment fits perfectly into that narrative. Yes, the public response may have caught her off guard. But knowing Reese, she’ll flip the script—turning the controversy into another opportunity to fuel her ever-growing personal brand.

The Bigger Trend: Athletes Taking Ownership of Their Image

Reese’s trademark filing is also part of a much larger movement happening in sports right now.

More athletes—especially women in underrepresented leagues like the WNBA—are recognizing the power of personal branding. They’re not waiting for shoe deals or TV contracts. Instead, they’re taking proactive steps to build business ventures around their names, personalities, and on-court achievements.

Whether it’s Caitlin Clark’s endorsement deals, Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoe line, or now Reese’s “MEBounds,” the message is clear: Today’s athletes want control over their narrative—and their earning potential.

In the age of NIL, social media influence, and athlete-led content platforms, this is becoming the new normal.

Why This Matters—Even If It’s Awkward at First

Sure, the rollout didn’t go as planned. The jokes are flying. The memes are relentless. But here’s the thing: People are talking.

And in the world of branding, attention—even negative attention—can often be leveraged for future success. By the time Reese drops her first line of “MEBounds” merchandise, the very people clowning her today might be first in line to buy it.

Sports marketing experts point out that many now-iconic brands had awkward beginnings.
From LeBron James’ early “Chosen One” era to Serena Williams’ controversial on-court fashion choices, history shows that bold athletes who double down on their brand vision often win in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Every Bold Move Comes with Risks

Angel Reese’s latest headline might not have unfolded exactly as she imagined—but it fits right in with her fearless, unapologetic approach to life and sports.

Whether “MEBounds” becomes the next big thing or fades into meme history, Reese has once again proven she’s willing to bet on herself. That’s a trait every great athlete—and entrepreneur—shares.

As one sports columnist put it:
“Angel Reese knows how to rebound. This branding hiccup? Just another one she’ll grab off the rim and put back up for two points.”