Angel Reese, one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball, found herself at the center of a heated debate after making a comment many fans are calling tone-deaf. Hours before her big game, Reese appeared head-to-toe in luxury designer pieces—from an eye-catching Louis Vuitton bag to Balenciaga sneakers and a custom Fendi jacket—and later told reporters she was “always on a budget.”
The remark came during a quick on-court interview where a reporter complimented Reese on his daring pre-game outfit. Laughing, the college basketball star brushed him off, saying, “Thanks, but I’m still on a budget, I promise.” Within minutes, clips of the moment were circulating online, and the reaction was immediate and fierce.
Fans were quick to point out what they saw as a disconnect between Reese’s lavish appearance and her claim to be financially prudent. Social media platforms were flooded with comments ranging from amused disbelief to outright criticism. “She actually said that? While wearing more money than I make in three months!” one user tweeted. Another wrote, “Budget where? This Fendi jacket alone costs more than my rent for a year.”
Reese, who has become a household name not only for her on-field skills but also for her bold personality and stylish image, has never strayed from her taste for fashion and luxury brands. Since signing several NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, she has been outspoken about enjoying the perks that come with her newfound financial freedom. But this time, many believe she may have crossed a line by appearing out of touch with the reality her fans are facing.
Some supporters rushed to her defense, arguing that Reese’s comment was likely tongue-in-cheek and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. “She’s a college athlete who worked hard for every endorsement she’s gotten. Let her enjoy it,” one fan wrote on Instagram. Others pointed out that “being on a budget” doesn’t always mean being broke—it could mean she’s managing her money wisely despite having more.
However, the backlash highlights a growing tension between young athletes’ newfound wealth from lousy deals and their public personas. College players like Reese have quickly achieved celebrity status, earning hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—in endorsements while still technically being students. This new wave of college athlete influencers must balance their success with remaining relatable to their fan bases, many of whom are students themselves struggling with tuition, rent, and living expenses.
Reese has yet to directly respond to the online uproar, but she did post a series of photos of her pre-game tunnel walk with the caption, “Still that girl, on and off a budget đ.” The post only fueled more mixed reactions, with some applauding her confidence and others saying she’s digging herself deeper.
Whether you see her comment as an innocent joke or an out-of-touch flex, the moment once again proved how much the public watches every word and outfit of young stars like Angel Reese. Love her or hate her, she’s always making headlines—and maybe she totally wanted to all along.
