In an unexpected move that shocked both the tech and sports worlds, Elon Musk offered basketball sensation Angel Reese a staggering $100 million to become the face of Tesla’s much-hyped CyberTruck. But in a twist no one saw coming, Reese’s reaction to the offer stunned the world and could forever change the face of celebrity endorsements.
The proposal came just days after Musk teased on X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla would partner with a “rising cultural icon” to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. Speculation ran wild, with names like Zendaya, Bad Bunny, and even Lionel Messi being floated. But when the announcement broke that Musk had tapped Angel Reese, the fierce and unapologetic star of the Chicago sky, jaws dropped.
The deal was rumored to include TV commercials, exclusive online content, personal appearances, and even a signature “Reese Edition” CyberTruck featuring bold, custom designs inspired by her personality and career. Reese, whose personal brand focuses on empowerment, style, and authenticity, was a dream choice for Tesla’s edgy new direction. But instead of celebrating the deal, Reese sent the internet into a frenzy with a blunt and unfiltered response.
“I don’t need Elon Musk’s money to be who I am,” Reese posted across her social media platforms. “I drive change, not trucks. Respectfully, over.”
The reaction was instant and explosive. Some praised Reese’s integrity and refusal to sell out, especially at a time when many young stars are jumping into billion-dollar brand partnerships. Others questioned his decision to walk away from such a huge payday, especially given the rare crossover between high-performance sports and high-performance vehicles.
Inside sources close to Reese say that while he admired Tesla’s innovation, he didn’t feel comfortable aligning himself with Musk’s increasingly controversial public image. “Angel was always about more than money,” one associate observed. “It was about values, not a paycheck.”
On the other hand, Musk, never one to shy away from a public feud, prefaced his statement with a cryptic comment: “Your loss. Cybertuck doesn’t beg.”
The tension between Musk and Reese immediately lit up the media landscape. Fans took sides, with hashtags like #TeamReese and #CyberFlop trending across platforms. The backlash was particularly fierce from women’s sports advocates, who praised Reese for standing up for herself and setting an example for young athletes.
Reese hasn’t commented further, but insiders suggest she’s already fielding other partnership offers from brands that better align with her values, including fashion labels, wellness companies, and social justice organizations. Tesla’s rejection may have cost her $100 million, but it could earn her even more long-term credibility and cultural influence.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Angel Reese isn’t just playing the game, she’s rewriting the rules.
