In a move that’s got everyone talking, WNBA sensation Angel Reese is proving she’s not just dominating the basketball court – she’s building an empire beyond it!

The Chicago Sky star and rebound queen has thrown her financial muscle behind Topicals, the trailblazing Black-led skincare brand that’s revolutionizing how we treat textured skin, chronic conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation, and the very real emotional toll that comes with them.

Announced earlier this month in January 2026, Reese’s investment – alongside global music icon Rema and other heavy hitters from sports and entertainment – has helped push the company’s total funding raised since its 2020 launch to an impressive more than $22.6 million.

And let’s be real: in an era where venture capital for Black-founded businesses can feel like an uphill battle, this isn’t just another check being written. It’s a loud, proud statement of belief in Black innovation, wellness, and building legacies that last generations.

From Court to Capital: Angel Reese’s Meteoric Rise

Angel Reese, 24, has been turning heads since her record-breaking days at LSU, where she shattered records and became a household name. Now with the Chicago Sky, she’s one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars – and one of its most marketable.

But while her on-court salary might hover around the league’s rookie scale (think modest six figures at best), Reese’s real money moves are happening off the hardwood. Endorsement deals with giants like Reebok, Beats by Dre, Victoria’s Secret, McDonald’s, Cash App, PlayStation, and more have reportedly pushed her off-court earnings into the millions.

Forbes even pegged her total haul in recent years at eye-watering figures, with some estimates suggesting she’s pulled in upwards of $9 million annually from brands alone – despite that relatively modest WNBA paycheck.

Now, she’s turning investor. Reese’s stake in Topicals isn’t just about skincare – it’s about putting her money where her cultural influence is. She’s long championed self-love, mental health, and representation, and this move aligns perfectly.

As one source close to the deal told Business of Fashion: Reese is part of a new wave of “cultural leaders” stepping in where traditional institutional investors have pulled back, especially amid tougher funding climates for diverse founders.

The Brand That’s Changing the Face of Skincare: Meet Topicals

Launched in 2020 by visionary founders Olamide Olowe (CEO) and Claudia Teng, Topicals was born from personal pain and turned into a powerhouse.

Olowe, who grew up battling hyperpigmentation, eczema, and other chronic issues, felt like an outsider in the beauty world that often ignored real skin concerns – especially for people of color. Teng brought clinical expertise to the table. Together, they created a brand that’s equal parts science-backed efficacy and unapologetic cultural vibe.

Topicals’ tagline? “Funner Flare-Ups.” Yes, you read that right – because why should dealing with skin issues feel miserable?

Their hero products include:

• Faded serum for brightening and clearing dark spots
• Like Butter hydrating masks
• Viral under-eye patches that Reese herself raved about in a 2025 Vogue video (and apparently sold over a million units!)

The brand combines clinical ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and botanicals with bold, Gen-Z-friendly packaging and messaging that tackles mental health alongside physical skin concerns. (Fun fact: Topicals donates proceeds to mental health initiatives!)

In just a few short years, Topicals became Sephora’s fastest-growing skincare brand, expanded to the US, UK, Canada, Nigeria, and France, and proved that inclusive, honest skincare sells – big time.

Why This Investment Matters: More Than Money

Reese’s involvement signals something much bigger. As Black women increasingly claim financial power – from athletes to entrepreneurs – they’re choosing to invest in each other.

In a world where Black-founded startups still face funding gaps, moves like this create ecosystems of support. Reese isn’t just buying shares; she’s amplifying a brand founded by a young Black woman (Olowe made history as the youngest Black woman to raise over $10 million in VC) that’s already changing lives.

Founder Olamide Olowe put it perfectly: “When you think of Topicals, you think of our marketing, storytelling, and products, and you think a lot about culture. These are people who control culture.”

And Reese? She’s undeniably one of them.

This isn’t her first business venture either. Reese has stakes in women’s pro soccer club DC Power FC and the Unrivaled league, plus her podcast “Unapologetically Angel.” She’s building generational wealth while lifting others up.

The Bigger Picture: Black Excellence in Action

In recent years, we’ve seen WNBA stars like Reese, A’ja Wilson, and others turn their platforms into powerhouses. Brands like Mielle Organics have partnered with the league, recognizing the 80%+ Black women athletes and fans who deserve representation.

Reese’s Topicals investment fits right into this wave: Black women supporting Black innovation in wellness and beauty.

As traditional VC dries up for some diverse founders, cultural icons like Reese and Rema (who’s also joining as a creative partner to reach young male consumers) are stepping in with both capital and clout.

The result? A brand like Topicals gets the rocket fuel it needs to keep growing, innovating, and serving communities that have been overlooked for too long.

What’s Next for Angel and Topicals?

Expect to see more from this powerhouse partnership. Reese’s massive social media following (millions strong) means Topicals’ already-viral products could explode even further.

Rema’s creative input could open doors in global markets, especially Africa.

And for Reese? This is just another chapter in her off-court takeover. From fashion runways (hello, Victoria’s Secret show!) to boardrooms, she’s showing the world that WNBA stars aren’t just athletes – they’re moguls in the making.

One thing’s for sure: when Angel Reese invests, the world takes notice. And in 2026, that’s exactly what Black excellence looks like – powerful, purposeful, and unstoppable.

Stay tuned – this story is far from over! 🏀✨🖤