BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Chicago Sky Super Star Angel Reese—A Deep Dive Into the Life, Legacy, and Grit of Women’s Basketball Greatest Player, Slated for Global Release on July 18, 2025
In a move that is already shaking the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has announced the global release of its highly anticipated documentary “The Underdog”—a powerful, unfiltered portrait of Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s unstoppable force and one of the most polarizing, beloved, and resilient figures in modern women’s basketball. The documentary, which will premiere worldwide on July 18, 2025, promises an intimate look into the life, legacy, and grit of a player many are now calling the greatest to ever play the women’s game.
A Star Who Rewrote the Rules
From her explosive college career at LSU to her rapid ascension in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese has never followed the blueprint—she is the blueprint. Known equally for her physical dominance, emotional intensity, unapologetic attitude, and commitment to elevating women’s basketball, Reese has turned doubters into believers and criticism into fuel.
“The Underdog” isn’t just a sports documentary—it’s a statement, said Netflix Sports Content Director Leslie McCoy in a press release. “This is the story of a woman who transformed adversity into legacy and redefined what it means to be a star athlete in the age of social justice, NIL power, and unapologetic identity.”
The documentary is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and produced by SpringHill Entertainment, the media company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage, raw interviews, and never-before-seen game day moments, The Underdog delves into Reese’s personal challenges, public feuds, relentless work ethic, and her unshakeable commitment to representing women—and especially Black women—on her own terms.
From Baton Rouge to the Windy City
The film begins with Reese’s early days growing up in Baltimore, Maryland—a tough, working-class city where basketball was both an escape and a proving ground. Archival footage and emotional interviews with family and childhood friends set the tone: Angel was never handed anything.
After dominating the high school circuit, she chose LSU and instantly became a national sensation. Her 2023 NCAA championship run, complete with her iconic hand wave and staredown of Caitlin Clark, catapulted her into the national spotlight. Critics slammed her; fans rallied behind her. Reese didn’t just survive the controversy—she owned it.
The documentary then chronicles her draft night in 2024, her transition to the Chicago Sky, and her battles—physical, emotional, and social—in the unforgiving arena of professional basketball. ESPN analyst Andraya Carter describes Reese in the film as “a once-in-a-generation competitor who walked into the league as a villain and transformed into a legend within a season.”
Unfiltered and Unapologetic
One of the most compelling aspects of The Underdog is its refusal to sanitize or soften Reese’s story. The film tackles her social media spats, confrontations with fans, struggles with mental health, and even friction with teammates and coaches. In one vulnerable scene, Reese recounts a night where she almost walked away from basketball entirely.
“I was tired of being strong. I was tired of being misunderstood,” Reese says, eyes brimming with tears. “But I remembered who I was doing it for. Not just me, but every little Black girl who never saw someone like them dominate and be loud while doing it.”
The documentary also touches on Reese’s role in the evolving NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era, her philanthropic efforts in underserved communities, and her ventures into fashion, entrepreneurship, and activism.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Reese’s story is more than basketball—it’s cultural currency. She has become a symbol of female empowerment, body positivity, and unapologetic self-expression. From Vogue features to endorsement deals with major brands like Reebok, Mielle Organics, and Beats by Dre, she’s successfully bridged the gap between sport and celebrity.
The documentary explores how Reese leveraged her platform to uplift others, notably investing in youth basketball programs, funding mental health services in Chicago, and supporting initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap in sports.
Pop culture icons like Cardi B, Megan Rapinoe, Shaquille O’Neal, and Serena Williams all appear in the film, giving candid takes on Reese’s influence across industries.
“She’s not the next anyone—she’s the first Angel Reese,” Serena states during one of the documentary’s most memorable soundbites.
A Release Poised to Spark Global Dialogue
Set for a global release on July 18, The Underdog is expected to generate massive viewership and online conversation. Sports fans, feminists, and everyday viewers alike will find something universal in Reese’s journey—from her moments of triumph to her quiet nights of doubt.
DuVernay described the documentary as “a love letter to anyone who’s ever been underestimated, told to shrink, or labeled ‘too much.’ Angel Reese reclaims ‘too much’ and turns it into greatness.”
As the WNBA continues its golden era—buoyed by record ratings, expanded media coverage, and rising stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Cameron Brink—Reese stands as a beacon for where the game is heading: bolder, more dynamic, and unapologetically authentic.
What Comes Next for Angel Reese?
While The Underdog celebrates the rise of Angel Reese, it makes clear her story is far from over. Now averaging a double-double in her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, and quickly becoming one of the league’s most marketable stars, Reese’s ceiling appears limitless.
In the film’s final moments, as she jogs through a Chicago tunnel after a game, she turns to the camera and says: “This isn’t the end. This is just my start. And I’m just getting louder.”
The Underdog premieres July 18, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Get ready for the rawest, b
oldest, and most inspiring sports documentary of the year.
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