Each year, the Met Gala gains millions of eyes that tune in to see some of the world’s biggest celebrities attend the world’s most famous fashion event in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Like most years, some well-known athletes will be present for the 2026 edition.
This year’s theme will be “Costume Art,” according to ESPN, along with a dress code of “Fashion Is Art.” It’s safe to say that there will be some unique outfits seen tonight, worn by both athletes and their celebrity counterparts.
Lewis Hamilton, Joe Burrow, Simone Biles, and Angel Reese all made headlines at last year’s Met Gala. While not everyone will be returning, there is already a bona fide list of athletes who will be in New York City for the gathering.
Here’s a list of which athletes will be in attendance at one of fashion’s biggest events.
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Athletes at the Met Gala
Even before the event got under way, there were a few athletes who were confirmed to be in attendance at the 2026 Met Gala. Here is the list of sports’ biggest stars in New York City for the event.
A’Ja Wilson
The Las Vegas Ace’s star and one of the best players in the WNBA will be attending her first Met Gala this year. For 2026, she is a member of the event’s Host Committee, which is a major honor. There is a chance she brings her boyfriend, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, who recently scored the second-most points in an NBA game ever this season (83).
Venus Williams
This year, Williams will join Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour as co-chairs of the event. She fills the role that seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton occupied at last year’s event. It is unclear whether or not Williams will come with her sister, but Serena was in attendance at a pre-Met Gala party.
Venus Williams and her husband Andrea Preti on the way to the 2026 Met Gala 🖼️ pic.twitter.com/YJzF8x9bna
— Jacob B. (@JacobB198) May 4, 2026
Angel Reese
One of the newest members of the Atlanta Dream has traveled directly from WNBA preseason and a media day to be in attendance at this year’s Met Gala. She first attended the event in 2024 and followed suit in 2025.
From game day, to media day, straight to the PJ ✨
Angel Reese describes what her past 12 hours has looked like preparing for the MET GALA this evening in New York
Stay tuned for her final look 👀 pic.twitter.com/OFFEzoxp92
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 4, 2026
Lindsey Vonn
Despite suffering a leg fracture three months ago during the Winter Olympics and still competing through it, Vonn’s recovery journey won’t end there. She will be present at the 2026 Met Gala and will attempt to have her first night without using crutches. Vonn was in attendance at the 2013 Met Gala when she was dating Tiger Woods.
First steps… I’m coming for you MET Gala!! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/6jqfjzxL9q
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) May 4, 2026
Naomi Osaka
The four-time Grand Slam winner made her presence known at the Met Gala, donning a white dress and hat. Her dress also features small accents of red, with gloves in the same color. In 2021, Osaka served as a co-chair of the event.
Naomi Osaka on her way to the Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/XGEbs2oiA7
— 21 (@21metgala) May 4, 2026
Aimee Mullins
The Paralympian has appeared at Met Galas before, and this year will be no different. She may attend this year with her husband Rupert Friend. The 2017 Women’s Hall of Fame inductee will also serve alongside Wilson on the Host Committee.
MORE: Angel Reese receives standing ovation in her return to Chicago
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