Angel Reese Makes History as First Pro Athlete to Join Victoria’s Secret Runway

WNBA star Angel Reese is continuing to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete. The Chicago Sky forward has officially joined Victoria’s Secret as a runway model, becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the brand’s legendary fashion show.

Reese shared the news with fans on Instagram, writing, “Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria’s Secret ANGEL … Wings on, heels ready.” The announcement video showed her in a signature pink robe, black lingerie, and the classic white wings long associated with the brand’s Angels — symbolizing a full-circle moment for the 22-year-old athlete who has long embraced both competitive fire and confidence in her femininity.

Her runway debut is scheduled for October 15, 2025, in New York City. Victoria’s Secret called Reese’s participation a landmark in the brand’s ongoing evolution, describing it as a “global collaboration” that celebrates confidence, diversity, and women who break barriers. The company noted that Reese’s inclusion reflects a new era for the show, one that embraces a broader definition of beauty and power.

For Reese, the milestone is personal. “This is a surreal and full-circle moment,” she told People Magazine. “I’ve always wanted to show that you can be strong and still glamorous — that being an athlete doesn’t limit you from expressing every side of yourself.” She also hinted that she may bring some of her signature basketball flair to the runway, teasing that her signature “tunnel walk” could make a cameo on fashion’s biggest stage.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which returned after a four-year hiatus, is reemerging with a renewed focus on inclusion and storytelling. Reese will appear alongside models such as Adriana Lima, Anok Yai, Joan Smalls, and Yumi Nu. The partnership marks not only a new career chapter for Reese but also a cultural moment that challenges and expands the traditional boundaries between sports, beauty, and self-expression.

Angel Reese’s rise from college basketball star to WNBA standout — and now, runway model — underscores her growing influence far beyond the court. Whether she’s scoring points or commanding the catwalk, she continues to prove that she’s more than an athlete — she’s an icon in the making.