The Bayou Barbie is no longer just a nickname; it’s officially a reality. Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll inspired by WNBA superstar Angel Reese, turning her iconic moniker into a collectible. The collaboration celebrates Reese’s impact across sports, business, fashion, and culture while encouraging the next generation of girls to dream big and embrace their limitless potential.
The new Angel Reese Signature Barbie debuts today, July 24, and comes in Barbie pink attire with a matching basketball. The doll also has matching Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes, which will officially launch in early August 2026.
“Barbie honors role models who inspire girls to imagine what’s possible. From her on-court achievements and entrepreneurial leadership to her tireless advocacy for girls, Angel Reese is helping children see that confidence, ambition, and resilience can open countless doors. We’re proud to honor her through our Barbie Signature doll and collaboration with Reebok, giving fans new ways to celebrate Angel and all she represents,” said Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel.
Having A Barbie Is A ‘Dream Come True’ For Angel Reese
5Reese’s star has only continued to rise since entering the WNBA. During her rookie season, the LSU alum teamed up with Reese’s to launch a limited-edition merchandise collection and even landed on her own cereal box. Now, she can add another milestone to her growing list of accomplishments: becoming a Barbie.
“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me. It’s such an incredible honor because it’s about showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve,” she said. “I’ve never let anyone else define what’s possible for me, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger. I hope this doll reminds girls to be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.”
Angel Reese Has A Barbie-Themed Sneaker Coming
5To celebrate Reese’s new Barbie doll, Reebok is also releasing a matching sneaker in a Barbie-inspired color (featured on the doll), which was built to match Reese’s on-court dominance and culture-driving presence off it.
The new AR1 “Barbie” shoes feature pink color accents and co-branded elements on the tongue and sockliner in both adult and kids’ sizing.
“We’re proud to see her Barbie doll debut wearing Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes in this vibrant new Barbie colorway and to bring that same style directly to fans,” said Todd Krinsky, CEO of Reebok. “This moment celebrates Angel’s impact on sport, style, and culture while giving fans the chance to match Angel’s iconic look and be part of the moment.”
Reese Is Launching Her Barbie During All-Star Weekend
5Barbie teamed up with Reebok to debut Reese’s Signature Barbie doll and matching AR1 sneakers at TOGETHXR House in Chicago during All-Star Weekend. TOGETHXR is the fastest-growing women’s sports media company, of which Reese is a co-owner.
“Women’s sports are driving culture like never before, and this collaboration is proof of what’s possible when iconic brands invest in the athletes leading that movement. At TOGETHXR, we’re proud to bring together partners like Barbie and Reebok with trailblazers like Angel Reese, who recently joined our ownership group, to create moments that celebrate the power and influence of women’s sports,” said Bailey Williamson, TOGETHXR Senior Vice President.
Williamson added, “We’re thrilled that TOGETHXR House is where fans will experience this launch firsthand. It’s more than a product release. It’s a celebration of confidence, individuality and the growing influence of women athletes across sport, style and culture, while showing the next generation just how expansive the future can be.”
Reese Said Getting Her Own Barbie Is ‘Surreal’
5Reese spoke with PEOPLE about her new collaboration and called it a “full-circle moment.”
“…Barbie is an iconic brand, and to be part of that legacy is something I’m really proud of. It’s bigger than basketball for me. It’s about inspiring young girls to dream big, be confident, and know they can be exactly who they are,” she said.
For Reese, seeing herself as a Barbie “was surreal,” and she praised the brand for getting her Signature doll just right.” What impressed me most was how thoughtfully every detail was brought to life,” she said.
She added, “What I love most is that it doesn’t just look like me; it truly feels like me. My doll reflects both my love of basketball and fashion because I’ve always believed you never have to choose between being fierce on the court and expressing who you are off it. Seeing every little detail come together made this incredibly personal, and it was one of those moments where everything I’ve worked so hard for really hit me.”
