In a move that stunned the sports and tech communities, Elon Musk reportedly gifted WNBA star Angel Reese a $100 million Tesla Cybertruck. The unexpected gesture was meant to mark the launch of a new Tesla marketing campaign aimed at empowering female athletes and expanding the Cybertruck’s appeal beyond traditional demographics. But Reese’s reaction was anything but predictable.
According to sources close to the deal, the CyberTruck—custom-made with 24-karat gold plating and Reese’s initials etched into the doors—was delivered in dramatic fashion, flown by helicopter to the practice court in the Chicago sky. Tesla representatives and camera crews were already in place, ready to capture what they expected to be a heartwarming partnership moment between the tech mogul and one of basketball’s fastest stars.
However, what happened next shocked everyone.
Instead of getting into the vehicle or posing for promotional shots, Reese reportedly looked at the Cybertruck for a few seconds, shook her head, and walked off the lot. When approached for comment, she simply said, “I’m not a trophy you can buy.” Her team has since confirmed that she declined the endorsement offer for ethical reasons.
This bold statement sparked a massive online debate. Supporters hail Reese as a modern icon of independence and integrity, with one fan writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Angel Reese just turned down $100 million to keep her soul. That’s power.” Others, particularly Tesla loyalists and critics of celebrity activism, criticized his move as “arrogant,” “ungrateful,” or even “a PR stunt.”
The backlash has extended to Elon Musk himself. While Musk has yet to respond personally, Tesla’s marketing chief briefly addressed the incident during a live stream. “We had nothing but respect and admiration for Angel,” he said. “The offer came from a genuine place—to honor his impact and reach new audiences together. We’re surprised, but we respect his decision.”
Meanwhile, the gold Cybertruck now sits unused and unclaimed in a private Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas. Rumors suggest the company may rebrand the vehicle for auction or gift it to another celebrity—but that moment is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Reese, for her part, seems unfazed by the controversy. In a cryptic Instagram story posted just hours after the event, she wrote, “My worth is not measured in gold or dollars. I choose legacy over luxury.” The story was accompanied by a video of her shooting free throws in practice, with Beyoncé’s “My Power” playing in the background.
It remains to be seen whether this decision will affect Reese’s marketability in the long run, but one thing is clear: she’s not afraid to stray from even the flashiest deals if it means sticking close to her principles.
