Baltimore, October 9 — In a powerful fusion of star power and social purpose, WNBA sensation Angel Reese and NBA icon Magic Johnson have joined forces to launch “Wealth Playbook,” a groundbreaking financial literacy initiative aimed at empowering Baltimore high school seniors with the tools to build generational wealth. The program, unveiled this week at Carver Vocational-Technical High School, marks one of the most ambitious athlete-led education efforts of the year — blending real-world finance with inspiration drawn from two of basketball’s most influential figures.
Standing before a packed auditorium of students, Reese — a proud Baltimore native — delivered a passionate message that resonated far beyond sports. “This isn’t just about money — it’s about building a future,” she said, her voice echoing through the gymnasium. “Growing up here, I saw too many young people with talent but no financial guidance. We can’t change where we start, but we can change where we end up.”
The Wealth Playbook program is a four-session series focusing on key financial skills including budgeting, credit management, savings strategies, and the basics of entrepreneurship. Designed with input from educators and financial experts, the initiative also offers personalized mentorship opportunities for selected students, giving them access to financial advisors and successful business owners from Baltimore and beyond.
Magic Johnson, who joined Reese on stage, called the program “a long-overdue play for empowerment.” “When I was growing up in Lansing, no one taught us about money — not in school, not at home,” Johnson shared. “I learned the hard way. What Angel and I want is to make sure this next generation doesn’t have to.” The Lakers legend, whose post-basketball career includes multi-million-dollar business ventures, described the effort as part of his broader mission to close the economic gap in underserved communities.
For Reese, the initiative is deeply personal. Since being drafted by the Chicago Sky and quickly emerging as one of the WNBA’s most recognizable young stars, she has repeatedly spoken about her desire to give back to Baltimore — the city that shaped her toughness and resilience. Earlier this year, she launched a scholarship fund for local students and has partnered with several community organizations focused on youth mentorship and education. “I’ve been blessed with a platform,” she said. “It’s my responsibility to use it for something bigger than basketball.”
The event drew hundreds of students, parents, and city officials, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who praised the project as “a model for how athletes can drive real change.” “What Angel and Magic are doing here goes beyond charity — this is about rewriting the rules of opportunity,” Scott said. “In a city where too many young people are trapped by financial hardship, this is a game-changer.”
During the session, students participated in an interactive workshop led by Johnson’s business team, simulating real-world financial decisions like managing a monthly budget, saving for college, and launching small businesses. Many described the experience as “eye-opening.” One student, 17-year-old Tiana Brooks, said, “I’ve never had anyone explain credit like that before. It makes me think about my future differently.”
The Wealth Playbook is scheduled to expand to other cities in 2026, with Reese and Johnson hinting at potential collaborations with athletes from other leagues, including the NFL and NWSL. Both stars said their ultimate goal is to create a national curriculum that merges sports, education, and financial empowerment.
As the event concluded, Reese left the audience with one final message — one that perfectly captured the heart of the initiative: “We all dream about making money. But true success,” she said, pausing, “is learning how to make that money work for you — and for the people who come after you.”
With Wealth Playbook, Angel Reese and Magic Johnson are proving that sometimes the most important assists don’t happen on the court — they happen in classrooms, communities, and in the lives of those who need hope the most…
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