Angel Reese returned to Chicago for WNBA All-Star Weekend and made sure a group of local children went home with much more than a memorable story. The Atlanta Dream star surprised children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago during her Barbie x Reebok Dream Closet event at TOGETHXR House. Reese answered questions from the young fans, showed them around the immersive experience and then delivered the biggest surprise of the day.Every child received a pair of the new “Barbie” Reebok Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes.The shoes do not officially launch to the public until Aug. 3, making the children some of the first people to own Reese’s newest signature sneaker.The event allowed Reese to celebrate her major Barbie collaboration while giving back to the city where her WNBA career began.Angel Reese surprises Boys & Girls Clubs of ChicagoChildren from the Boys & Girls Clubs received VIP access to Reese’s Dream Closet before meeting the three-time WNBA All-Star. They participated in a question-and-answer session with Reese and had an opportunity to learn more about her basketball career, business interests and journey from LSU to the WNBA.Angel Reese surprised kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago at her Barbie x Reebok Dream Closet event during All-Star Weekend After a Q&A with Angel, each kid left with a pair of “Barbie” Angel Reese 1s pic.twitter.com/sTkDzUMtAO— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) July 25, 2026After the conversation, each child was presented with a pair of the pink Barbie-inspired Angel Reese 1 shoes.The surprise carried additional significance because the sneaker represents another first for Reese. Reebok launched the original Angel Reese 1 in 2025, making her one of the select WNBA players with a signature basketball shoe. The new Barbie colorway features pink accents and co-branded details on the tongue and sockliner. Reebok will offer the design in adult and children’s sizes, allowing young fans to wear the same shoes as Reese.The public release is scheduled for Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. ET through Reebok, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker.Before fans can purchase them, Reese made certain the children at her Chicago event had their pairs secured.Inside Angel Reese’s Dream ClosetBarbie and Reebok created the Angel Reese Dream Closet as part of an immersive All-Star Weekend experience at TOGETHXR House. The event gave visitors an opportunity to step into Reese’s world and see the different elements of her brand come together. Fans could pose inside a life-size Barbie box and get an early look at her signature doll, sneakers and limited-edition clothing collection.Reese recently joined TOGETHXR’s ownership group, adding another business venture to her rapidly growing portfolio. The Dream Closet featured custom jerseys, shirts and headwear inspired by the outfit worn by Reese’s Barbie doll. The limited-edition apparel was also made available through Reese’s website.Reese’s signature Barbie includes several details connected to her career. The doll wears her No. 5 Atlanta Dream jersey while also incorporating No. 10, which she wore at LSU and during her first two WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky.It also features Reese’s familiar headband, compression leggings and pink Reebok shoes.“My doll reflects both my love of basketball and fashion because I’ve always believed you never have to choose between being fierce on the court and expressing who you are off it,” Reese told People.MORE: Aliyah Boston reveals the ‘hardest person to guard’ in WNBA ahead of All-Star clashBarbie collaboration brings Reese back to ChicagoChicago remains an important part of Reese’s story. The Sky selected her with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She spent her first two professional seasons with the franchise, earning consecutive All-Star selections and leading the league in rebounding both years.Chicago traded Reese to Atlanta in April for two future first-round picks. Even after leaving the Sky, she made it clear she maintained a strong connection to the city and its fans. All-Star Weekend provided the perfect opportunity to return.Reese entered the break averaging a career-high 15.4 points along with 11.5 rebounds per game. She helped Atlanta reach a 16-10 record and earned the third All-Star selection of her three-year career. Her profile away from basketball has grown just as quickly.Reese’s “Bayou Barbie” nickname became famous during LSU’s run to the 2023 national championship. Now, that identity has turned into an official Mattel doll and a full collection with Reebok.Reese said receiving her own Barbie was about more than adding another product to her expanding brand.“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me,” Reese said. “It’s such an incredible honor because it’s about showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”Her event with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago put that message into action.The children got to meet Reese, ask her questions and explore a space created around her accomplishments. Then they walked out with signature shoes of their own. Reese arrived in Chicago as one of the biggest stars of WNBA All-Star Weekend. She used that spotlight to create a moment those children will not soon forget.More WNBA news:Sophie Cunningham points out potential problem with LeBron James’ 76ers superteamAliyah Boston sends heartfelt message after WNBA guard suffers season-ending injurySophie Cunningham sends heartfelt message after Adidas shoes completely sell outDiJonai Carrington leaves fans speechless with stunning new photos ahead of Sky debutSophie Cunningham declares ‘today’s the day’ as new Adidas shoes fly off shelves