How WNBA star, Suni Lee are making runway history in 2025

Angel Reese at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: How WNBA star, Suni Lee are making runway history in 2025 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Angel Reese is making as many moves off the court as she is on. Tonight, she is set to make history by becoming the first professional athlete to walk the runway in the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The Chicago Sky forward, celebrated for her dominant play and unapologetic confidence, will trade her basketball shoes for high heels in New York City, joining the brand’s high-profile “Wings Reveal” lineup.

The milestone moment is the culmination of a year in which Reese has firmly cemented her status as a global cultural icon, effortlessly bridging the gap between sports and high fashion. USA gymnast Suni Lee will also be on the runway for the event.

Here’s what you need to know about Reese’s appearance.

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Why is Angel Reese at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

Reese will be a runway model at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday night. She is set to become the first professional athlete to walk the runway.

Reese, who attended last year’s show as a guest, acknowledged that she was “manifesting” her spot on the runway just twelve months ago. She has since signed a global partnership with the brand, solidifying her commitment to the fashion industry alongside her WNBA commitments.

“I’m the first athlete to be able to be a VS Model,” Reese told USA Today. “As a Black woman… representation is really important for me.”

Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee will also be on the runway for the show. On her instagram story, she wrote it is a “dream come true.”

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What is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is the annual promotional event sponsored by the American lingerie and sleepwear brand, known worldwide for its elaborate productions, musical acts, and high-profile models.

The show began in 1995 and ran almost continuously until 2018. After a four-year hiatus amid criticism and declining sales, it made a highly anticipated return in 2024. The 2025 event, scheduled for tonight, features a diverse new cast.

This year’s lineup of “Angels” and celebrity participants highlights the brand’s focus on diversity and modern influence. The 2025 show features the debut of WNBA star Reese—the first professional athlete to walk the runway—alongside returning legends like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Behati Prinsloo. They will be joined by top models such as Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, with musical performances by KAROL G, Madison Beer, and Missy Elliott, ensuring the event remains a powerhouse spectacle blending fashion and pop culture.

How many athletes have been in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

While other professional athletes have been in the audience, such as Reese herself in a previous year, none have officially modeled on the runway until Reese’s upcoming appearance.

In a Victoria’s Secret press release, the brand said “Angel’s unparalleled athleticism and influence amongst the sports and fashion communities, the culture, and women all over the world exemplifies the iconic and bold power of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.”

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Angel Reese Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show photos

Reese embraced pink on the runway Wednesday night:

Lee also took to the runway in pink, going with a sportier look:

Earlier, Reese posted some photos in anticipation of her Victoria’s Secret debut.

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Suni Lee Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show photos

Lee joins Reese as the only athletes walking the runway for Victoria’s Secret. The gymnast has posted on her Instagram story, saying it is a dream come true.

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