Australian footwear and apparel business Brand Collective has teamed up with Reebok to promote the global footwear brand’s latest collaboration locally.
This included flying out global basketballer and two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, the name behind Reebok’s latest collaborative range.
Brand Collective manages around 28 brands in the Australian and New Zealand market – including Reebok, Champion, Canada Goose and Everlast – most under license and some owned.
Reebok and Reese designed and built the new signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, which has just been rolled out via Reebok's Australian website and exclusively through Foot Locker.
Reebok welcomes global basketball icon and two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to celebrate the launch of her signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, in partnership with Reebok.
The local push comes amid a surge in women taking up basketball across Australia in recent years, making it one of the highest-participation sports for young women locally. One in five girls under 14 are playing, and it is also the second-most participated sport for young boys and girls nationwide.
To celebrate her signature shoe collection, Reese made her Australian debut last week with appearances in Sydney at a launch event at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar Bondi and a Foot Locker Sydney City store event. She then travelled to Melbourne to attend a training session with NBL and WNBL players on February 6, showcasing the shoes in action alongside meet-and-greet opportunities with her fans.
“Angel is a true global basketball champion and her Australian visit reflects Reebok’s belief in access, mentorship and representation, reinforcing the importance of visibility and opportunity for women in sport,” Brand Collective CEO Dave Thomas said.
The Reebok Angel Reese 1 is currently available in a range of bold colourways, including hot pink and purple.
Speaking at the Icebergs event alongside sports presenter Kat Sasso, Reese said the design of the shoe also includes her own logo.
“When we talked about the rollout, initially, I was a little nervous about putting three shoes out at once, because you never know what that can look like. I didn't know my shoe was going to sell out right away. Being able to sell out three pairs of shoes by 12 o'clock was crazy,” Reese said.
On Australia, Reese said she has always wanted to visit the country. “I’ve played with some amazing Australian basketballers, and with so many young girls and the next generation getting into the game, it’s a really exciting time for our sport in Australia.”