Former LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese took on the “Bayou Barbie” nickname during her first season in Baton Rouge, bringing additional attention to the moniker when she helped lead the Tigers to the 2023 national title.
After being taken by the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 overall selection in the WNBA draft, Reese says she’s ready to take on a new nickname as she heads north.
Reese said in a social media post that she’s open to suggestions on what her new nickname should be in Chicago.
“i need a new name now that i’m in chicago lol something cute that is catchy like Bayou Barbie,” Reese said in her post on X.
i need a new name now that i’m in chicago lol something cute that is catchy like Bayou Barbie 😭👀
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 17, 2024
It also makes financial sense for Reese to come up with a marketable nickname now that she’s in the WNBA.
She tried to get a trademark for “Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU, but her application was denied in October by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Reese had an opportunity to appeal the ruling, but the 6-foot-3 forward chose not to.
Reese’s attorney told On3 that they decided not to challenge the ruling because of Mattel’s ownership of the Barbie trademark.
LSU forward Angel Reese (10) waves after an NCAA college basketball exhibition game against East Texas Baptist, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Fans were happy to offer ideas for Reese’s new nickname, including Chief Reese, Chi-Reese, Breezy Blue and Chi-Town Angel.