WNBA’s Angel Reese to Become 1st Pro Athlete to Walk the VS Fashion Show

Angel Reese, a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky, is making history by becoming the first professional athlete to walk the runway in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, scheduled for October 15 in New York City.

Reese announced this news on her Instagram on October 9, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from a Victoria’s Secret photoshoot and expressing her excitement with the caption, "Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL," noting that it feels like destiny and she is finally getting her wings.

Victoria’s Secret also celebrated her inclusion on their social media, posting on Instagram to welcome her as "the first professional athlete angel" and emphasizing the significance of her participation, describing it as a major understatement.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which began in 1995 and gained popularity in 2001, was discontinued after 2019 due to criticism over lack of inclusivity but returned in 2024. Reese attended the 2024 show as an audience member, where she was inspired by the performances and models, making her upcoming runway walk a "full-circle moment."

In an interview with People, Reese described the announcement as surreal and shared that she had manifested this opportunity, expressing gratitude and excitement. She reiterated this on her Instagram Story, writing about her dreams and ambition coming to life and inviting followers to watch her on October 15.

Beyond the fashion show, Reese has been expanding her modeling repertoire, recently announcing a collaboration with Juicy Couture on October 6 via Instagram. Her team, the Chicago Sky, congratulated her on Instagram with a montage of her pregame outfits from the season.

This announcement follows Reese's absence from the Sky's final three games due to injury and a half-game suspension imposed by the team at the end of the year for statements deemed detrimental to the team.