In a move that stunned both sports and tech communities, Elon Musk has reportedly gifted WNBA star Angel Reese a one-of-a-kind, gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck — along with a staggering $100 million endorsement deal. The unexpected gesture was meant to mark the launch of a new Tesla marketing campaign aimed at empowering women athletes and expanding the Cybertruck’s appeal beyond traditional demographics. But the reaction from Reese was anything but predictable.
According to sources close to the deal, the Cybertruck — custom built with 24-karat gold plating and Reese’s initials engraved on the doors — was delivered in dramatic fashion, airlifted by helicopter onto the practice court of the Chicago Sky. Tesla representatives and camera crews were already in place, prepared to capture what they expected to be a heartwarming moment of partnership between the tech mogul and one of basketball’s fastest-rising stars.
However, what happened next shocked everyone.
Instead of stepping into the vehicle or posing for promotional shots, Reese reportedly stared at the Cybertruck for a few seconds, shook her head, and walked off the court. When approached for a comment, she simply said, “I’m not a trophy you can buy.” Her team has since confirmed she declined the endorsement offer on ethical grounds.
This bold statement has sparked massive debate online. Supporters are hailing Reese as a modern-day icon of independence and integrity, with one fan writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Angel Reese just turned down $100 million to keep her soul. That’s power.” Others, particularly Tesla loyalists and critics of celebrity activism, slammed her move as “arrogant,” “ungrateful,” or even “a PR stunt.”
The backlash has extended to Elon Musk himself. While Musk has yet to personally respond, Tesla’s marketing head briefly addressed the incident during a livestream. “We had nothing but respect and admiration for Angel,” he said. “The offer came from a genuine place — to honor her impact and reach new audiences together. We are surprised, but we respect her decision.”
Meanwhile, the golden Cybertruck now sits unused and unclaimed in a private Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas. Rumors suggest the company may rebrand the vehicle for auction or offer it to another celebrity — but it’s unlikely that this moment will fade anytime soon.
Reese, for her part, appears unfazed by the controversy. In a cryptic Instagram story posted just hours after the event, she wrote: “My value isn’t measured in gold or dollars. I choose legacy over luxury.” The story was accompanied by a video of her practicing free throws, with Beyoncé’s “My Power” playing in the background.
Whether this move will affect Reese’s marketability long-term remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she’s not afraid to walk away from even the flashiest of deals if it means standing by her principles.
