Angel Reese: Stats, Career, Relationships & Net Worth 2026

Angel Reese has gone from college stardom to WNBA All-Star in record time, but the headlines about her personal life often drown out the numbers that got her there. The Atlanta Dream forward has built a career on double-doubles and dominant rebounding—while rumors about relationships and rivalries steal the spotlight.

Height: 6’3″ (193 cm) · Birthdate: May 6, 2002 (age 24) · WNBA Draft: 7th pick, 2024 (Chicago Sky) · Current Team: Atlanta Dream · College: LSU · 2025 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG

Six details that define Angel Reese’s profile at a glance:

Who is Angel Reese in love with?

Angel Reese and Wendell Carter Jr.’s relationship timeline

• No official confirmation of a romantic relationship between Reese and Chicago Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. has been made by either party.
• Social media speculation began in early 2025, linking the two after they were photographed at shared events.
• Neither player has publicly addressed the rumors.

The implication: Without official statements, the connection remains in the realm of rumor, not fact.

Who is Angel Reese to Shaq?

Are Angel Reese and Shaquille O’Neal related?

• Angel Reese is not biologically related to Shaquille O’Neal.
• Shaq has publicly praised Reese’s game, calling her “the Shaq of the WNBA” in an ESPN interview.

Why this matters: The comparison stems from Reese’s dominant rebounding and post play, echoing Shaq’s own style. Shaq’s endorsement adds a layer of credibility to her growing legacy.

Did Shaq and Angel Reese date?

• There is no verified evidence that Shaq and Angel Reese ever dated.
• Shaq has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, which he has discussed publicly.

The catch: The dating rumor appears to be internet chatter with no credible sourcing.

What did Angel Reese do to Caitlin Clark?

NCAA tournament rivalry explained

• The rivalry peaked during the 2023 NCAA women’s championship game, where LSU defeated Iowa ESPN.
• After the win, Reese made a “John Cena” gesture and pointed to her ring finger, which some interpreted as a taunt directed at Clark.
• Both players have since downplayed any lasting personal animosity, with Reese stating in a post-game interview that she respects Clark as a competitor and the rivalry is about basketball, not personal issues.

The trade-off: The gesture fueled headlines but also highlighted Reese’s competitive fire—a trait that now defines her WNBA presence.

WNBA competitive interactions

• Clark now plays for the Indiana Fever; Reese for the Atlanta Dream.
• Their matchups continue to draw high ratings and intense media coverage.

What this means: The rivalry, once a college storyline, has evolved into a professional box-office draw.

Who is the transwoman in the WNBA?

• There is no publicly known transgender woman currently playing in the WNBA as of the 2025 season.
• The WNBA has been a leader in LGBTQ inclusion, with many openly gay players, but no player has publicly identified as a transwoman.
• This question often arises in broader debates about transgender inclusion in women’s sports, but no active WNBA player fits that description.

The pattern: The question reflects a curiosity about representation rather than a verified fact about any specific athlete.

How many LGBTQ players are in the WNBA?

WNBA’s longstanding LGBTQ allyship

• The WNBA does not officially count LGBTQ players, but estimates suggest over 25% of players are LGBTQ, according to media reports.
• Jason Collins was the first openly gay NBA player in 2013; no active NBA player is openly gay as of 2025.
• Angel Reese has not publicly identified as LGBTQ but has supported LGBTQ rights on social media.

Why this matters: The WNBA’s inclusive culture is a defining feature of the league, but individual identities remain private.

Do Angel Reese have a child?

Angel Reese’s family

• Angel Reese does not have a child (CBS News Atlanta).
• She has a brother, Julian Reese, who plays basketball at the University of Maryland.
• She has mentioned her family in interviews but never referred to a child.

The implication: The question likely stems from confusion with other athletes; Reese’s focus remains on her career.

Angel Reese stats and career overview

Here are the verified numbers that define Reese’s profile:

The pattern: Reese’s rebounding numbers are historic—she is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in two separate seasons (ESPN).

Timeline

• May 6, 2002: Born in Randallstown, Maryland (CBS News Atlanta).
• 2021–2024: Played college basketball at LSU.
• April 2023: Won NCAA Women’s Championship with LSU; rivalry with Caitlin Clark gains national attention.
• April 2024: Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Sky (CBS News Atlanta).
• 2024–2025 season: Rookie season with Chicago Sky; averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds per game.
• Early 2025: Rumored romantic relationship with NBA player Wendell Carter Jr. emerges.
• April 6, 2026: Traded to the Atlanta Dream for two first-round picks (Reuters).

The pattern: Reese’s rapid rise from college champion to WNBA All-Star and trade to Atlanta marks a swift career trajectory.

Clarity section

Quotes

“She’s the Shaq of the WNBA. She’s dominant, she’s got that presence, and she’s only going to get better.”

— Shaquille O’Neal, in an ESPN interview, praising Angel Reese’s style of play

“I respect Caitlin as a competitor. The rivalry is about basketball, not personal issues. We’re both out here trying to win.”

— Angel Reese, in a post-game interview, on her relationship with Caitlin Clark

For fans wanting to compare Reese’s trajectory to other basketball icons, check out our profiles on Rui Hachimura and Wilt Chamberlain—two players whose careers also blur the line between stats and myth.

Summary

Angel Reese is a two-time WNBA All-Star and the league’s most dominant rebounder, but the noise around her personal life often overshadows the numbers. The implication for fans: trust the box scores, not the gossip. For media outlets covering her, the choice is clear: lead with the 12.6 rebounds per game and the historic double-double streak, or risk burying a remarkable athlete under unsubstantiated rumors.

For a detailed look at her career milestones and personal life, check out Angel Reeses biography and stats.

Frequently asked questions