In a whirlwind display of versatility and star power, newly minted Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese traded basketball courts for the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, May 4, 2026, making her third consecutive appearance at the Met Gala.
Fresh off a media day with her new WNBA team and recent preseason action, Reese continued her tradition of dominating both on and off the court.
Angel Reese at 2026 The Meta Gala: Blockbuster Move and a Busy Monday
The Chicago Sky traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream in a high-profile move earlier this season. The Dream positioned her as a key piece for championship contention alongside players like Allisha Gray. Despite some inconsistent shooting in preseason (including limited efficiency in games against her former team and the Washington Mystics), Reese has impressed with her rebounding and presence.
Her Monday schedule exemplified the “Ms. 24 Hours” hustle fans have come to expect: Atlanta Dream media day in the morning, followed by a quick private jet to New York for the evening’s festivities. Reese shared glimpses of the transition, hyping her new city while preparing for the carpet.
The 2026 Theme: “Costume Art” and “Fashion Is Art”
This year’s Met Gala celebrated the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition, “Costume Art,” with a dress code of “Fashion Is Art.” The theme explored fashion as an embodied art form across history, pairing garments with artworks and emphasizing the dressed (and undressed) body in various forms. Co-chairs included Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, with several athletes, including Reese, making strong showings.
Reese arrived in a custom Altuzarra creation, described in reports as a soft pink ensemble that stood out on the carpet. She had prepped meticulously, including dyeing her hair jet black and updating her nails and toes for the occasion.3256
Building the Brand Beyond Basketball
Reese has been vocal about the significance of these appearances. She views the Met Gala as more than glamour—it’s an expansion of women’s sports and personal branding. “It’s just another expansion of women’s sports and continuing to build our brand outside of just being a basketball player,” she said. “This organization has continued to help me on a platform… There are gonna be some WNBA players there tonight, and I’m excited to see [them], but that should just be the standard.”
She made her Met Gala debut in 2024 and returned in 2025 as a host committee member (wearing Thom Browne for the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme). Her consistent presence underscores her growing influence in fashion circles while maintaining her elite athletic profile.
Other athletes in attendance included co-chair Venus Williams, host committee member A’ja Wilson, Naomi Osaka, and more, highlighting the increasing crossover between sports and high fashion.
Why It Matters
Angel Reese’s Met Gala appearances do more than turn heads—they normalize the idea that elite athletes, particularly women in the WNBA, can embody multiple worlds: fierce competitors by day and fashion icons by night. As the Atlanta Dream embark on their 2026 season (opening May 9 against the Minnesota Lynx), Reese’s platform only amplifies the team’s and the league’s visibilit67
From LSU champion to WNBA All-Star to red-carpet regular, Reese continues to redefine what’s possible. Whether she’s grabbing boards in Atlanta or serving looks in New York, the “Chi Barbie” (now ATL Barbie) knows how to make an entrance. Fans eagerly await her impact in both arenas this season.