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“WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all. I even think it pays one of my bills, literally,” heartbreakingly admitted Angel Reese on an Instagram Live this month, as she talked about her financial battle off the court. Pocketing $73,439 a year from the WNBA, the alarming is, however, helped by the multitude of endorsement deals and collaborations that help her maintain her luxurious lifestyle. One of her most exciting partnerships launched in August with The Hershey Company, a well-known candy brand. However, a recent revelation on her podcast suggests she might not have sealed it all alone. And she was able to settle scores with this person as well.
On Thursday, Chicago Sky forward released another exciting episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, and this time, she welcomed none other than her mentor, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, to the show. Staying true to her podcast tradition, Reese gave a shout-out to “Reese’s Pieces” at the end (for her collaboration with Hershey’s), celebrating the sweet candy deal she secured in August.
And while she did that, Shaq playfully seized the moment to boast about his influence in securing that deal. “You’re welcome, by the way. Who hooked that deal up?” he quipped—his signature humor shining through. Initially, Reese brushed off the question, but her uncle was relentless. He reiterated his inquiry, this time making sure to draw attention to Chi-Town Barbie’s notice.
This time, Reese caught on to Shaq’s teasing question and shot back with a single-word response: “You!” It basically meant that the Lakers legend helped Reese get that deal inked with the $40 billion worth company. He continued to boast as he added, “Uncle Shaq, you know, I always got your back.”
For the unversed: Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese have known each other since February 2023, when Reese hosted the NBA legend’s daughter Me’Arah for an official visit to LSU. While Shaq’s daughter eventually committed to Florida, the chance encounter launched an endearing uncle-niece relationship between the two stars. Ahead of the Tigers vs Mississippi State’s game last year, O’Neal had even challenged Reese to score 20 points and 20 rebounds. The Bayou-Barbie’s answer? 23 points and 26 rebounds on 8-of-18 shooting in the 74-59 victory, strengthening her bond with Diesel.
As for the Hershey’s deal, Shaq helping Reese makes sense, especially since the former Los Angeles Lakers player also signed a deal with the same brand. Just days after Reese’s announcement, he launched two versions of “Shaq-A-Licious” oversized candy gummies. It suggests he might have had talks already going on with the brand and that’s how he helped Reese too, even before himself. But it’s not just about business; Shaq also supported Reese personally by clearing some of her debts to him, thanks to his late arrival on the show
