To attend the annual fashion showcase that is the Met Gala, all you need is a special invitation — or $75,000 to buy a ticket. Even then, the money isn’t enough; your effort to buy a ticket must be approved.
That’s the kind of exclusivity we’re dealing with at this event, which starts the spring exhibit for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It’s a place to be seen on the red carpet and show off your fashion sense, and it attracts celebrities of all stripes, with athletes playing prominent roles.
NBA star LeBron James is an honorary chair and Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton is a co-chair. Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens are among those on the host committee. While James could not attend due to a knee injury suffered during the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sports figures were well represented Monday at this year’s Gala, the theme of which was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest sports figures in attendance.
Formula One driver and Met Gala co-chair Lewis Hamilton looked cool, calm and collected.
Gymnastics legend Biles walked the red carpet with husband Owens, who plays for the Chicago Bears.
While LeBron James did not attend, his wife, Savannah, did — and she stole the show.
Serena Williams knows how to dazzle at the Met Gala, which she has attended numerous times.
Venus Williams also made quite an impression.
WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu made her first appearance.
Ionescu was joined by teammates Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, as well as New York Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai.
Angel Reese was also there. She is a member of the Host Committee.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley returned to New York in style, sporting a classic look.
Jalen Hurts and his wife Bry Burrows were also there representing the Eagles.
Joe Cool? They’re calling Joe Burrow “Gala Joe” now.
Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson looked right at home in gold, of course.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick made an appearance with partner Nessa Diab.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, now a member of the New York Giants, was there with his wife Ciara.
Speaking of power couples, former NBA star Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union both sported long trains as part of their ensembles.
NFL receiver Stefon Diggs, now with the New England Patriots, was all business.
Mellody Hobson Lucas, who is part of the Denver Broncos ownership group and an investor in Denver’s NWSL expansion team, was there with her husband, filmmaker George Lucas.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson poses with fashion designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne.
(Top photo of Simone Biles: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue)
