Angel Reese: WNBA Rebounding Queen and the Internet’s Most Unexpected “Money Glitch”

Angel Reese is no stranger to headlines. From her college dominance at LSU to her growing WNBA stardom with the Chicago Sky, the 6-foot-3 forward has been a magnet for both attention and controversy. But now, she’s found herself at the center of a new — and wildly unexpected — phenomenon: sports bettors cashing in on her tendency to miss her first shot of every game.

Yes, you read that right.

A now-viral video shows a group of young men erupting in celebration as Reese misses her opening field goal attempt against the Dallas Wings. The clip, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter), captures the group high-fiving, laughing, and checking their betting apps as their unorthodox wager pays off.

“These guys betting on Angel Reese to miss her first shot of every game might be on the biggest and most diabolical internet heater ever,” one user commented under the clip, echoing the sentiments of thousands of amused fans who have now dubbed Reese a “money glitch.”

Angel Reese and sports bettor (Photos via Imagn Images & X)

The Betting Angle

In the world of sports gambling, finding a pattern is like discovering gold. And apparently, some fans think they’ve found just that with Reese’s cold starts. According to social media chatter, Reese has missed her first shot in multiple consecutive games this season — a trend that sharp-eyed bettors have begun exploiting with surprising accuracy.

The legality and availability of such micro-bets vary depending on the sportsbook, but some platforms allow wagers on a player’s first field goal attempt, creating a niche market for this kind of betting.

“Most people are betting on points, assists, wins. These guys? They’re just hoping Angel bricks her first shot,” said one commenter on TikTok, where the video has also gained traction.

While betting on a player to fail might rub some fans the wrong way, others see it as harmless fun — and a reflection of how deep analytics and habits have permeated the sports gambling world.

Reese’s Real Impact: Stats Don’t Lie

While the betting craze around her first-shot misses is certainly amusing, it risks overshadowing Reese’s undeniable value to the Sky — and to the WNBA as a whole.

In just her second season, Reese is averaging 10.0 points per game, but her rebounding is where she truly dominates. She currently leads the league with a staggering 14.0 rebounds per game. That’s elite territory and a testament to her relentless motor, physicality, and nose for the ball.

And she’s not just pulling down boards — she’s making history.

Reese recently became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, accomplishing the feat in only 38 games. That places her in elite company and shows that despite her shooting inefficiencies, her overall game is both productive and impactful.

Still, critics — and even some fans — haven’t hesitated to point out that many of Reese’s rebounds come from her own missed shots. Some see this as padding her stats, while others argue it’s simply a product of her style of play: aggressive, tenacious, and unafraid to battle in the paint.

“She’s a workhorse,” Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said after a recent game. “People can say what they want, but she gives you everything she has on every possession. That’s what makes her special.”

A Star Under the Microscope

Much of the fascination — and sometimes scrutiny — around Angel Reese stems from her persona. Dubbed “Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU, Reese has always embraced the spotlight. She’s bold, outspoken, unapologetically confident, and deeply proud of what she represents.

That spotlight intensified after LSU’s national championship run in 2023, where her on-court gestures and postgame comments sparked national debates. Since then, she’s leaned into her brand, becoming one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports, with endorsement deals ranging from Reebok to Amazon.

But with fame comes criticism — and plenty of it.

Some fans argue her shooting still needs significant improvement, especially if she wants to become a true franchise cornerstone in Chicago. Her field goal percentage this season hovers around the low 40s, and her range remains limited.

Yet others argue that she’s being held to an unfair standard — that her personality, more than her play, invites criticism that male players of similar production wouldn’t face.

“I just do me,” Reese told reporters last week. “I know I’m not perfect. I know there’s things I’ve got to work on. But I also know how far I’ve come and how hard I work. So people can bet on whatever they want. I’m betting on myself.”

Angel Reese (Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)

The Bigger Picture: Growth for the WNBA

If nothing else, the whole “money glitch” saga speaks to the surging interest in the WNBA. The 2025 season has already seen record viewership and attendance, thanks in large part to a rookie class headlined by Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink, as well as returning stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson.

Reese is part of that wave — a player whose every move sparks conversation. Whether it’s fans marveling at her double-doubles or bettors riding her first-shot misses to quick paydays, she draws eyeballs. And in a league that’s long struggled for mainstream relevance, that’s a good thing.

“She’s a storyline every night,” said ESPN analyst Andraya Carter. “Whether she’s dominating the glass, jawing with opponents, or just being Angel Reese, she gives you something to talk about. And that matters.”

Indeed, Reese’s ability to trend for everything from her play to her personality to a bizarre betting trend underscores just how big her platform has become — and how far the league has come in embracing its new generation of stars.

What’s Next?

As the season progresses, Reese will undoubtedly continue to refine her game. Shooting consistency remains an area for growth, but her defensive prowess, rebounding, and leadership already give the Sky a competitive edge.

As for the betting trend? Like all internet fads, it may fade just as quickly as it rose — especially if Reese starts knocking down those first shots. But for now, it remains a strange and hilarious subplot in a season already filled with drama, growth, and unpredictability.

If nothing else, Angel Reese is proving one thing: in today’s WNBA, even a missed shot can be a winning play.