On the first Monday in May each year, all eyes with even a slight interest in fashion and pop culture fall on the happenings in New York City for the Met Gala. This annual fundraising event brings together some of the biggest names in movies, music and, now more than ever, sports.
At last year’s Met, athletes including Stefon Diggs, Ben Simmons, Angel Reese, Lewis Hamilton, Venus Williams and Nelly Korda, and former pros such as Dwyane Wade, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams showed out.
Athletes have been in attendance dating back to the early 2000s, but over time their presence has increased. Sports stars have come a long way since former NFL player Jason Sehorn‘s prom-esque tuxedo choice when he accompanied his then-wife, Angie Harmon, in 2003 or Tom Brady‘s black velvet look at his 2006 debut. Now, regular guests including Serena, Wade, Odell Beckham Jr., Russell Westbrook, Naomi Osaka and others are often among the best-dressed.
The increased presence has also led to increased involvement.
In February, it was announced that a select group of athletes would be on this year’s Met Gala committee for its theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” LeBron James is an honorary chair, Hamilton is a co-chair and Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles and her husband,
