“It’s Easy for Angel Reese to Be a Villain”: Former Netflix Exec Urges WNBA Star to Embrace Her Power and Play the Game Her Way

Angel Reese is no stranger to controversy—and she knows it. But instead of shying away from the public spotlight, the Chicago Sky rookie has leaned into her polarizing image. Now, a former Netflix marketing executive says that might just be her most powerful branding weapon.

In a recent discussion that sent ripples across the sports and entertainment industries, Bozoma Saint John, the former Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix and one of the most influential Black women in corporate America, weighed in on how Angel Reese can—and should—leverage her public image.

Bozoma, known for her bold style and innovative marketing strategies, offered Angel some direct but encouraging advice: Embrace the “villain” persona. Not in a malicious way, but as a calculated tool. Because in today’s media landscape, where attention is currency, controversy sells—and authenticity is priceless.

“It’s easy for Angel to be a villain,” Bozoma said. “She’s got the looks, the confidence, the presence. That’s not something you run from—it’s something you use.”

For Angel Reese, this is nothing new. From the moment she waved her hand in front of Caitlin Clark’s face during the NCAA championship and later declared, “I’m unapologetically me,” she’s been a headline magnet. Critics have called her arrogant. Fans call her fearless. Either way, people are watching—and that’s what matters when it comes to brand building.

Bozoma continued, “She has to decide what kind of villain she wants to be. Not a mean girl, but the kind of character who forces people to feel something. That’s what the greats do. They make you choose a side.”

That advice echoes a broader truth about modern celebrity. Especially in the world of sports, being likable isn’t always the most effective way to win hearts—or brand deals. Sometimes, being polarizing creates a deeper emotional connection. And Reese seems to get that.

Her swagger, her unapologetic style, and her refusal to fit into the “humble athlete” mold have made her one of the most talked-about rookies in the WNBA. Whether fans cheer or boo, Angel keeps showing up, head held high, lashes done, and message clear: she didn’t come here to be quiet.

That same boldness has already paid off. Reese has inked major endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Mercedes-Benz, and Coach. Her social media following has exploded. And her nickname, the “Bayou Barbie,” has become a cultural icon all its own.

What Bozoma sees—and what Angel appears to be leaning into—is a new kind of playbook for female athletes. One that doesn’t require playing nice or dimming your light to make others comfortable. One where being yourself—loud, bold, unfiltered—is the most powerful marketing move you can make.

Still, there’s a balance to strike. Bozoma made it clear that this isn’t about manufacturing drama or trying to be someone you’re not. “It’s about owning your narrative before someone else tells it for you,” she explained. “You don’t have to be palatable. You just have to be real.”

And real is exactly what Angel Reese has been from the start.

As the WNBA continues to grow, players like Reese are redefining what it means to be a marketable star. Not just by how well they play, but by how well they command attention, shape conversation, and stay true to themselves in a world that often demands conformity.

Bozoma’s final piece of advice? “Play the game. Not just on the court—but in culture, in media, in business. And if that means being the villain in someone else’s story, so be it. Just make sure you’re the hero in your own.”

Angel Reese might not fit into the traditional mold—but that’s exactly why she’s thriving. She’s not here to blend in. She’s here to take up space—and maybe rewrite the rules along the way.