In a development that has sent shockwaves through the sports and business worlds, Apple CEO and prominent LGBT advocate Tim Cook has reportedly offered rising WNBA star Angel Reese a jaw-dropping $200 million deal, including a full sponsorship for the upcoming season, on one condition: that she publicly endorse a global pro-LGBT campaign. The offer, intended to position Reese as a powerful face of inclusion, equality, and representation, has sparked praise and outrage online—but it’s Reese’s response that has truly taken the world by storm.
According to several high-level sources, the agreement was reached to promote a long-term LGBT initiative sponsored by Apple and other global partners, with the goal of increasing the visibility of LGBT rights in professional sports. With Angel Reese’s fame and influence, particularly among younger, more diverse audiences, Cook reportedly saw her as the perfect ambassador for a movement that transcends athletic performance.
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The proposal, however, came with strings attached. Reese would be required to publicly declare her support for LGBT rights in a global advertising campaign, to permanently engage with the cause, and to align her personal brand with the movement going forward. A deal of this magnitude—$200 million in endorsements, partnerships, and financing—is virtually unprecedented for a women’s basketball player.
When the offer leaked earlier this week, it sparked a social media firestorm. Commentators, influencers, athletes, and fans alike feverishly speculated whether Reese would accept such an offer, especially at a time when conversations about identity, politics, and sports are more charged than ever. Then, during a media availability session after a practice from the Chicago skyline, Angel Reese addressed the rumors head-on.
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She smiled slightly and said only one sentence: “My soul is not for sale – not even for 200 million dollars.”
The room fell silent. The reporters were stunned. The quote went viral within minutes, and within the hour, it was being broadcast on ESPN, CNN, and sports networks around the world. Prominent NFL players attending charity events or preseason activities were asked for their reactions—and most declined to comment. Those who did were visibly uncomfortable, with some saying, “It’s his decision,” while others admitted, “It’s complicated.”
Online, the divide was immediate and intense. Some hailed Reese as a symbol of integrity, upholding her personal values and refusing to be swayed by money or public pressure. Others criticized her for what they saw as a missed opportunity to show support for a marginalized community.
Meanwhile, Tim Cook has not publicly responded to Reese’s decision, though an Apple spokesperson said they “continue to support athletes who use their platforms to create positive change.”
Reese didn’t elaborate on her statement, choosing instead to refocus on her team’s performance and the challenges of the WNBA season. “I’m here to play basketball and inspire the next generation,” she said in a follow-up interview. “Everything else? That’s not why I started playing this game.”
As the debate continues to rage online, one thing is clear: Angel Reese’s one-sentence response has sparked a global conversation about where sports, values, money, and identity collide. And whether you agree with her or not, her decision has ensured that her voice—and her choices—will not be ignored.
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