From court to catwalk: first WNBA star joins Victoria’s Secret runway

WNBA player Angel Reese has become the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, joining some of the biggest names in fashion in New York.

The 23-year-old Chicago Sky forward’s appearance marks a major crossover between sports and entertainment, underscoring her growing global influence beyond basketball.

Reese said she had “manifested” the opportunity after attending last year’s show as a guest and later speaking with Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super about athlete representation.

The 2025 Fashion Show is part of the lingerie brand’s broader rebranding effort, following a six-year hiatus and years of declining sales.

For Reese, the milestone adds to a string of achievements that have made her one of the most visible figures in women’s sports — from leading LSU to an NCAA championship in 2023 to signing major endorsement deals and building a strong personal brand.

The show, livestreamed across multiple platforms, was billed as a symbol of Victoria’s Secret’s renewed image and a celebration of modern confidence and ambition.