The WNBA's brightest stars have touched down in Berlin for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, and while the focus should be on the hardwood, Angel Reese has already managed to steal the spotlight—much to the chagrin of some observers.
Reese is among the 12 elite players representing the United States in the tournament, which begins Friday against China. The league has paused for two weeks to accommodate the international competition, and players like Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston are all expected to contribute to the team's quest for gold.
But as her teammates arrived quietly and focused, Reese has been anything but subdued. Within hours of landing, she was actively posting on social media, promoting her personal brand with the same energy she brings to the court. For some, that's a problem.
WNBA analyst Jaime Lardis didn't hold back in her criticism.
“USA Basketball let us know the other players were there; Angel made sure we knew she was there. Everyone else arrived in Berlin quiet, relaxed, and ready to hoop. Then here comes Angel Reese obnoxious and clearly seeking attention on Day 1. Smh,” Lardis posted on X.
The backlash has ignited a firestorm among WNBA fans, with opinions sharply divided. Some see nothing wrong with Reese's behavior, pointing out that social media is part of modern athlete life.
“They showed the other players as well. As a matter of fact Angel was with her teammate. Y'all some of craziest people on here!” one fan defended.
Another added, “I mean I swear this woman can't seem to do anything right. Y'all stay bothered. She fresh off the plane and it's a problem. Can she breathe?”
But not everyone is so forgiving. One critic wrote, “Hope she doesn't play and if she does she gets crushed. But I am rooting for the US to win but not her.” Another chimed in, “She's an influencer who happens to play basketball. I expect to see her on a Bravo-style reality show at some point in the future.”
This isn't the first time Reese has faced scrutiny for her off-court antics. She's previously been criticized for a crude sideline jab and has stood firm on her social media presence, refusing to apologize for sharing bikini photos. Her confidence has also been a talking point, with some arguing she's more than just Caitlin Clark's rival.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Reese—both on and off the court. Whether she can silence her critics with her performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: she's not going to change who she is for anyone.
