In a story that is taking both the tech and sports industries by storm, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly made a stunning move to link the iconic tech brand with one of basketball’s fastest rising stars. According to sources close to the negotiations, Cook extended a $24 million marketing contract offer to NBA star Angel Reese, hoping to secure her as the face of Apple’s next-generation iPhone campaign.
The offer wasn’t just about photoshoots and product placement — Apple was said to be preparing a massive international campaign featuring Reese at the forefront of their AI-powered iPhone launch, alongside new features set to change how people interact with their devices. Tim Cook himself, known for being extremely selective about celebrity collaborations, was reportedly “personally invested” in bringing Angel Reese on board due to her explosive popularity, cultural impact, and commanding presence both on and off the court.
The deal came with major perks: global billboards, front-row Apple Event access, tech royalties, and full creative input. It would’ve placed Reese alongside the likes of past Apple collaborators such as Beyoncé and Serena Williams. But when the offer reached Angel, her response — just a single sentence — stunned everyone involved.
She said, “I’m not for sale, not even for $24 million.”
Those nine words have since echoed through the sports world like a lightning bolt.
Angel’s decision — bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal — has ignited passionate debates online. Some praised her for sticking to her principles, calling her a new-age icon who refuses to compromise her image or values for corporate gain. Others questioned whether turning down such a historic partnership was wise, especially given the financial windfall and global exposure Apple could have provided.
Yet according to people close to Reese, her decision had less to do with Apple itself and more to do with her current focus and self-identity. “Angel is building her own brand, her own legacy — on her own terms,” a source close to her management team revealed. “She’s had a vision since day one, and while she respects Apple and what they’ve built, she wants her brand deals to align with her personal mission. This one didn’t.”
Reese, who has become one of the most influential female athletes of her generation, has used her platform to advocate for authenticity, empowerment, and owning one’s narrative. Her decision to turn down a multi-million dollar contract wasn’t just a business move — it was a message.
The sports world, naturally, is abuzz. Players, analysts, and fans have taken to social media, many expressing admiration for Reese’s confidence and clarity. “She just proved you don’t have to say yes to everything,” tweeted WNBA legend Candace Parker. “This is what control over your image looks like.”
Meanwhile, Apple has yet to officially comment on the matter. Some insiders suggest they may attempt to renegotiate with different terms, while others believe Reese’s firm answer means the door is fully closed.
What’s clear is that Angel Reese continues to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete in 2025. In an era where endorsements are as common as buzzer-beaters, her ability to say “no” — even to one of the biggest tech giants on the planet — is a rare and powerful flex.
In the end, it wasn’t about the money. It was about the message. And that message is already inspiring a new generation of athletes and entrepreneurs to think bigger, stand taller, and remember their worth — with or without a contract.
