Reebok: The Iconic Brand of Modern Sports

Reebok is a legendary brand founded in 1895 in Bolton, England, by Joseph William Foster, specializing in innovative sports footwear and apparel. From its beginnings with spiked running shoes to becoming a global giant, Reebok has set milestones such as the Reebok Pump in 1989, worn by stars like Shaquille O’Neal.

History of Reebok

Origins and Evolution

Reebok began as J.W. Foster and Sons, creating spiked shoes that triumphed at the 1924 Olympic Games. In 1958, Foster’s grandsons renamed the company after an African antelope, a symbol of speed and agility. Paul Fireman later expanded the brand in the United States in 1979, driving the aerobic boom of the 80s with the iconic Freestyle.

Key Innovations

The brand revolutionized tennis with models like Newport Classic, popularized by Boris Becker and John McEnroe, and later expanded into basketball and running. In the 90s, it signed major deals with the NFL and stars like Venus Williams, with multi‑million contracts that boosted Reebok’s visibility on courts worldwide.

Athletes Sponsored by Reebok

Reebok backs global talent, from past legends to emerging stars in the WNBA, NBA and football, with multi‑year deals and exclusive signature shoes.

Current Basketball Stars

American Football and Other Sports Figures

• Angel Reese (Chicago Sky, WNBA): The standout rookie extended her multi‑year deal with Reebok in 2024, including the launch of her first signature shoe in 2026; she broke records with elite rebounding numbers and a historic streak of double‑doubles, joining a very small group of active players with their own line.
• Lexie Brown (Los Angeles Sparks): A key ambassador in Reebok’s return to women’s basketball through its official WNBA partnership; she stands out for her three‑point shooting and leadership in decisive games.
• Matas Buzelis, Dink Pate and Nate Ament: Young NBA prospects signed in 2024 on multi‑year deals; Buzelis, a high draft pick, has been seen wearing Reebok silhouettes in preseason to highlight his athleticism and versatility.

Justin Fields (New York Jets): The star quarterback fronts campaigns like “Sport is Everything”, training in Reebok Floatride footwear and bringing the brand back into the NFL spotlight after his move from the Bears. Reebok also supports Suryakumar Yadav (Indian cricket, T20 star), Shakur Stevenson (undefeated boxing world champion) and Luis Mejía (Panama international, key midfielder in Concacaf competitions), projecting the brand across multiple high‑impact sports.

Latin and Spanish Ambassadors

In Latin America, Karol G is the new global ambassador for Reebok Classics, with the “Born Classic. Worn for Life” campaign launched in 2026. The reggaeton superstar co‑creates exclusive collections that fuse streetwear and music culture, aligning the brand with a younger, lifestyle‑driven audience. Other relevant names include Kevin Álvarez (Liga MX full‑back known for his attacking runs), Saúl Craviotto (Spanish canoeist with multiple Olympic medals) and Javier Fernández (two‑time world champion in figure skating).

Iconic Historical Sponsorships

Football and Tennis Legends

In the 1990s, Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Raúl (Real Madrid), Gabriel Batistuta (Serie A star) and Thierry Henry (Arsenal’s “Invincibles” era) all wore Reebok boots on the biggest stages. Venus Williams signed an exclusive deal in tennis worth tens of millions of dollars, winning multiple Grand Slams while showcasing Reebok on court and helping position the brand as a serious competitor in racket sports.

Impact on Basketball

Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson are central to Reebok’s basketball legacy. Shaq, associated with legendary Pump models, and Iverson, with his iconic Question and Answer lines, now play leadership roles in the brand’s basketball strategy, supporting its comeback alongside the WNBA partnership and new generations of athletes.

Why Reebok Still Inspires

Reebok blends classic heritage with innovation, backing athletes who redefine sport as a lifestyle rather than just competition. Its renewed focus on the WNBA, young NBA prospects and Latin talent keeps the brand relevant in 2026, connecting performance footwear with culture, music and everyday wear. For fans who value authenticity, storytelling and performance, Reebok remains a powerful and credible choice.