The Angel Reese Special McDonald’s collaboration has officially arrived, making history across the United States. On February 10, 2025, McDonald’s launched its first-ever signature meal with a female athlete, and the spotlight is on WNBA star Angel Reese. This bold partnership blends sports culture with fast-food fandom in a way that’s both groundbreaking and delicious.
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A Milestone Collaboration
McDonald’s has worked with celebrities and athletes before, but the Angel Reese Special marks a major turning point. Angel Reese is now the first woman in history to have her own McDonald’s meal, joining an exclusive club of names like Michael Jordan, Travis Scott, and BTS.
The launch is more than just a menu update — it’s a cultural moment that celebrates Reese’s journey, influence, and growing impact in both sports and popular culture. McDonald’s strategically chose February to roll out the collaboration, aligning it with the start of the WNBA offseason and maximizing national attention.
What’s in the Angel Reese Special McDonald’s Meal
The Angel Reese Special isn’t a complicated mashup — it’s a confident, flavorful combo that reflects her bold personality. The meal includes:
- BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder® with Cheese
- Medium Fries
- Medium Drink of your choice
The standout feature is the new Bold BBQ sauce, a smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy addition created especially for this collaboration. It gives the classic Quarter Pounder a fresh twist while keeping that familiar McDonald’s comfort factor fans love.
Angel Reese’s Connection with McDonald’s
This collaboration didn’t happen by chance. Angel Reese has a long-standing relationship with McDonald’s:
- She was a McDonald’s All-American in high school, one of the most prestigious honors in youth basketball.
- She grew up eating McDonald’s with her family, often sharing nostalgic stories of competing with her brother over favorite menu items.
- When approached for the partnership, Reese said the collaboration “felt natural” and reflected her personal story.
Her deep connection with the brand made her a perfect fit for this milestone moment. It’s not just an endorsement — it’s a full-circle moment for an athlete whose career has inspired millions.
Timeline of the Angel Reese Special Rollout
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 30, 2025 | McDonald’s announced the Angel Reese Special partnership. |
| February 10, 2025 | Official launch at participating U.S. McDonald’s locations. |
| February–March 2025 | Nationwide marketing campaign and limited-time availability. |
The rollout included in-store promotions, national TV commercials, and a heavy social media push. Reese appeared in multiple promotional videos, emphasizing both her connection to the brand and her excitement about introducing her own flavor twist.
Fan Response Across the Country
The launch of the Angel Reese Special McDonald’s meal sparked immediate excitement. Lines at select locations formed early on release day, especially in cities with strong basketball fanbases like Chicago, Baton Rouge, and Baltimore — areas closely tied to Reese’s career.
Social media platforms lit up with posts of fans trying the meal, often pairing their reactions with basketball-themed hashtags. Many celebrated the collaboration as a win for women’s sports and a clear sign of how far female athletes have come in mainstream branding.
Key themes from fan reactions included:
- Appreciation for McDonald’s spotlighting a female athlete at this scale.
- Positive feedback on the Bold BBQ sauce flavor.
- Pride from basketball fans who have followed Reese’s journey from high school to the WNBA.
Why the Angel Reese Special McDonald’s Collaboration Matters
This partnership carries significance far beyond the menu. It represents:
- Gender milestones in branding – Angel Reese’s meal breaks a long-standing male-dominated tradition of signature McDonald’s collaborations.
- The growth of women’s basketball – Reese is one of the most recognizable faces of the sport, and this deal proves her crossover appeal.
- Authentic athlete partnerships – Because Reese’s connection to McDonald’s is genuine, the collaboration resonates more strongly with consumers.
It also signals McDonald’s willingness to evolve with cultural trends. By aligning with one of the most talked-about young athletes in the country, the brand reinforces its relevance among Gen Z and sports audiences.
Angel Reese: From Court to Culture
Angel Reese’s rapid rise has made her a household name. Known as the “Bayou Barbie” during her college career at LSU, she led her team to a national championship and shattered NCAA rebounding records. Her charisma and confidence helped boost the popularity of women’s basketball, both on the court and online.
In 2024, Reese was drafted by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, where she made an immediate impact as a rookie. Beyond basketball, she’s emerged as a style icon and a marketing powerhouse. The McDonald’s partnership is one of many brand deals she’s landed, but it stands out for its scale and cultural resonance.
How to Try the Angel Reese Special
Fans eager to taste the collaboration can find the Angel Reese Special at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide for a limited time. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t miss out:
- Check your local McDonald’s app for availability and exclusive offers.
- Visit earlier in the day — special meals sometimes sell out quickly.
- Customize your drink if you want to match Reese’s preference: she often pairs her meal with Hi-C Orange Lavaburst.
- Share your experience online using basketball or food hashtags to join the conversation.
The Flavor Breakdown
The Angel Reese Special is designed to be both familiar and fresh.
- The BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder gives a smoky-sweet twist to the classic burger, combining the richness of bacon with a new sauce made exclusively for this collaboration.
- The fries and drink keep the combo balanced and classic — a nod to Reese’s nostalgia for childhood McDonald’s runs.
- The Bold BBQ sauce is the star, delivering a unique flavor that sets this special apart from past celebrity meals.
This balance between innovation and tradition is exactly what makes the Angel Reese Special a standout in McDonald’s recent lineup.
A Turning Point for Women in Sports Branding
The Angel Reese Special McDonald’s partnership marks a significant cultural shift. It shows that female athletes can not only headline major brand deals but also drive national product launches. The visibility of this meal campaign has brought new audiences to both McDonald’s and the WNBA, underscoring the power of authentic collaborations.
For young athletes, especially girls, seeing a WNBA star’s name on the McDonald’s menu is more than a novelty — it’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible.
Have you tried the Angel Reese Special yet? Share your thoughts, flavor impressions, or what this collaboration means to you in the comments below.
