Angel Reese has been everywhere lately—from dominating the hardwood to securing endorsement deals, and now, she’s stepping into the world of financial education. The Chicago Sky rookie and Baltimore native is teaming up with none other than NBA legend and business mogul Magic Johnson to launch “The Wealth Playbook,” a financial literacy program tailored for high school seniors in her hometown.
And let’s be real—this isn’t just a photo-op partnership. It’s a full-circle moment for Reese, who grew up just miles from the communities this initiative is hoping to reach. Now that she’s in the league and using her platform, she’s doing more than just putting up double-doubles—she’s investing in the next generation.
The Vision Behind “The Wealth Playbook”
Launched in May 2025, The Wealth Playbook is more than a name. It’s a literal guide to mastering money, especially for young people stepping into adulthood with limited exposure to financial tools and systems. The program will begin in Baltimore-area high schools and aims to teach students essential money skills—like how to build credit, budget for real-life expenses, avoid predatory financial traps, and plan for long-term wealth.
The curriculum is designed to be interactive and digestible, mixing workshops, digital modules, and in-person mentorship. It’s also culturally relevant, tapping into the real economic challenges that many Baltimore students face daily. That’s intentional.
“When I was in high school, we didn’t talk about credit or budgeting—just grades and getting to college,” Reese said in a recent press release. “But financial literacy is survival, and I want kids back home to be prepared for real life.”
Why This Matters (Especially Now)
Financial literacy—or the lack of it—continues to be a major issue in the U.S., especially in under-resourced communities. A 2024 survey from the National Financial Educators Council revealed that nearly 68% of teens say they don’t feel confident managing money. And less than half of U.S. states currently require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation.
That gap hits even harder in cities like Baltimore, where socioeconomic inequality often limits access to education around money. Programs like The Wealth Playbook are meant to close that gap—not with one-off lectures, but with sustainable, scalable lessons that stick.
Plus, with college athletes now earning money through NIL deals and high school students gaining access to part-time income through tech and social media, financial literacy is no longer optional. It’s a must.
The Magic Johnson Effect
Teaming up with Magic Johnson isn’t just a smart PR move—it’s strategic. Johnson is a living blueprint for financial success after professional sports. He famously turned his NBA earnings into a billion-dollar business empire with investments in everything from movie theaters and Starbucks to insurance and healthcare.
In this partnership, Magic brings more than clout—he brings experience and resources. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, will help scale and fund the rollout of the curriculum, provide guest speakers and mentors, and work with Baltimore schools to integrate the program directly into senior-year classes.
“Angel Reese represents the future—not just of women’s basketball, but of Black excellence,” Johnson said. “Partnering with her on The Wealth Playbook is about legacy. We’re investing in young people, so they don’t just dream about money—they know how to manage and grow it.”
A Full-Circle Moment for Angel
For Reese, who grew up in the Randallstown suburb of Baltimore County, this initiative is personal. She’s always repped her city proudly—whether that’s showing love to local artists on social media or bringing the energy of Baltimore to LSU’s national title run in 2023. Giving back in a way that’s tangible, long-lasting, and timely just feels right.
Even as she adjusts to her rookie year in the WNBA, Reese is proving she can balance business with basketball. She’s already one of the most marketable young athletes in the league, and now she’s showing that her off-court moves may be just as powerful.
“Being rich isn’t just about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it,” she said. “That’s what I want these kids to understand.”
Long-Term Goals and Impact
While Baltimore is the first stop, The Wealth Playbook isn’t staying local for long. The plan is to pilot the program across 10 schools in the Baltimore metro area this year and then expand into more cities—starting with Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in 2026.
Each student who completes the program will receive a “financial starter pack,” including budgeting tools, access to a free credit-building account, and 1-on-1 guidance from mentors in business and finance. Local banks and fintech companies are already expressing interest in supporting the initiative.
Reese and Johnson also plan to host an annual Wealth Playbook Summit, bringing students together to network, pitch ideas, and hear from professionals who look like them and came from where they came from.
A New Chapter in Athlete Activism
This partnership is just the latest example of how a new generation of athletes—especially women in the WNBA—are leveraging their platforms beyond sports. From Breanna Stewart’s work in maternal health to Napheesa Collier co-founding her own league, W players are flipping the script on what it means to be a “role model.”
Reese, often called “Bayou Barbie,” is now adding “financial educator” to the list. She’s giving back in a way that’s grounded, community-centered, and scalable.
And honestly? It’s refreshing to see.
Conclusion: Legacy in Motion
Angel Reese is not waiting until the end of her career to start building a legacy. With The Wealth Playbook, she’s putting her money where her mouth is—literally. Teaming up with Magic Johnson signals a new level of ambition, one that reaches far beyond highlight reels.
For Baltimore’s youth, this initiative could be life-changing. For women’s basketball, it’s another reminder that the players aren’t just game-changers—they’re movement-makers.