In a development that has sent shockwaves through the sports and business worlds, Apple CEO and renowned LGBT advocate Tim Cook reportedly offered WNBA rising star Angel Reese a jaw-dropping $200 million deal, including full sponsorship for the upcoming season, under one condition: that she publicly and permanently endorse a global pro-LGBT campaign. The offer, intended to position Reese as a powerful face of inclusion, equality, and representation, has sparked both praise and outrage online — but it was Reese’s response that truly took the world by storm.
According to multiple high-level sources, the deal was crafted to promote a long-term LGBT initiative sponsored by Apple and other global partners, with the goal of amplifying visibility for LGBT rights within professional sports. With Angel Reese’s skyrocketing fame and influence, especially among younger and diverse audiences, Cook reportedly saw her as the perfect ambassador for a movement that transcends athletic performance.
The proposal, however, came with strings attached. Reese would be required to publicly declare her support for LGBT rights in a global advertising campaign, pledge to permanently stand with the cause, and align her personal brand with the movement moving forward. A deal of this magnitude — $200 million in endorsements, partnerships, and funding — is virtually unprecedented for a women’s basketball player.
When the offer leaked earlier this week, it ignited a firestorm on social media. Commentators, influencers, athletes, and fans alike speculated feverishly about 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 Chicago Sky practice, Angel Reese addressed the rumors head-on.
She smiled slightly and said just one sentence: “My soul is not for sale — not even for $200 million.”
The room fell silent. Reporters were stunned. The quote went viral within minutes, and within the hour, it was being broadcast on ESPN, CNN, and sports networks worldwide. Prominent NFL players who were attending charity events or pre-season activities were asked for their reactions — and most declined to comment. Those who did were visibly uncomfortable, some saying, “That’s her decision,” while others admitted, “It’s complicated.”
Online, the divide was immediate and intense. Some praised Reese as a symbol of integrity, standing firm in her personal values and refusing to be swayed by money or public pressure. Others criticized her for what they viewed 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 has not elaborated 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 firm, one-sentence reply has ignited a global conversation about where sports, values, money, and identity collide. And whether one agrees with her or not, her decision has ensured that her voice — and her choices — will not be ignored.
