Women Athletes Score Big at Fashion's Biggest Night

And when it arrives, all I ask is that it's on a silver platter. It’s an incredible time to be alive to witness history in the making. The Golden State Valkyries played their first WNBA pre-season game (losing only by 1 point!). A’Ja Wilson’s online shoe release for A’One sold out in minutes, though you’ll be able to grab them in-store starting tomorrow (may the force be with you). And last but not least, the most women athletes to ever attend the Met Gala happened earlier this week.

Brittney Griner made history as the first WNBA player to attend the Met Gala in 2023. Angel Reese was the second in 2024. The 2025 Met Gala marked a groundbreaking moment as women athletes took center stage at fashion's most prestigious event, symbolizing a powerful shift in how sports and high fashion intersect. This convergence represents more than just a glamorous night out - it's a testament to the growing influence and cultural impact of women athletes.

The inclusion of Sha'Carri Richardson and Angel Reese (who also celebrated her 23rd birthday) on the Met Gala committee represents a significant shift in the fashion world's recognition of athletes as cultural influencers. Their appointments acknowledge not just their athletic achievements, but their impact on style, youth culture, and representation. The red carpet itself became a platform for activism and empowerment, with athletes using their fashion choices to make powerful statements about gender equality in sports. From custom-designed gowns to accessories that paid homage to legendary female athletes, each outfit told a story of progress and pride.

The inclusion of Angel Reese and Sha'Carri Richardson at the Met Gala serves as a powerful rebuttal to critics who questioned their marketability and mainstream appeal. Both athletes have faced unfair scrutiny and criticism about their appearance, personality, and behavior - criticisms that often carry racial undertones and reflect outdated expectations of how female athletes should present themselves.

Angel Reese has transformed criticism of her confident on-court celebrations into a personal brand that resonates with younger generations. Her presence at fashion's most exclusive event, alongside multiple NIL deals and magazine covers, demonstrates that authenticity and self-expression can be powerful marketing assets.

Similarly, Sha’carri's bold personality, distinctive style, and unapologetic self-expression have attracted major brand partnerships and cultural recognition, despite initial pushback from traditional sports marketing circles. Her Met Gala appearance further cements her status as a cultural icon who transcends athletics.

Their participation in this prestigious event challenges conventional notions of "marketability" in women's sports and proves that there's a significant audience and market for athletes who stay true to themselves. This event is one of a pattern that suggests that the problem was never their marketability, but rather outdated industry perspectives on what makes female athletes appealing to brands and audiences.

This high-profile fashion presence has multiple positive effects on women's professional sports:

• The Met Gala provides a global platform that extends beyond sports media

• Women athletes can showcase their personal style, making them more marketable for endorsements

• Shows young athletes they can be both athletic and glamorous

• Helps position women athletes as cultural influencers, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors

This convergence of sports and high fashion signifies a broader cultural shift where women athletes are increasingly recognized not just for their athletic achievements but as multifaceted icons who influence style, culture, and society. It's a powerful statement about visibility, representation, and the evolving definition of what it means to be a professional athlete in 2025.

As these boundaries continue to blur, the presence of athletes at events like the Met Gala helps create new opportunities for marketing, sponsorships, and brand collaborations, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of women's professional sports. Three New York Liberty players graced the event, including 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, whose athletic performance and title have made her one of basketball's most recognizable faces.

The timing of their Met Gala appearance is particularly significant, coming on the heels of the Liberty's groundbreaking partnership with Fenty Beauty. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in women's sports, as it represents one of the first major luxury beauty brands to partner with a WNBA team. The partnership not only elevates the team's profile in the fashion and beauty space but also demonstrates the growing commercial appeal of women's basketball (especially when 2 of the 3 players in question are queer women).

P.S. See Met Gala outfits paired with NWSL teams in this cute social post.