Angel Reese Makes History — Becomes First Pro Athlete to Walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway This October

WNBA superstar Angel Reese is about to step into a new kind of spotlight—one that shines just as brightly as the basketball court. On October 15th, Reese will make history as the first-ever professional athlete to walk the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, blending the worlds of sport and style in a moment that’s already inspiring millions.

Just last year, Angel Reese was in the audience, soaking in the legendary return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and manifesting her own place on that runway. Fast forward to this week, and she’s not only walking it—she’s making history as the show’s first pro athlete model and debuting as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

“I literally could not stop smiling!” Reese told PEOPLE after landing the coveted gig. “It’s such a surreal and full-circle moment… now I get to return as an Angel. This will be an unforgettable night that I’ll forever be grateful for.”

Her excitement is palpable, but so is her sense of responsibility. Reese knows the significance of her milestone, and she’s determined to use it as a platform to inspire women and girls everywhere.

“We can dominate in our field but also chase our goals outside of it,” she says. “For me, that’s getting to walk down fashion and entertainment’s most iconic runway.”

For Reese, prepping for the runway isn’t all that different from gearing up for a big game. It’s about confidence, consistency, and hard work. She’s spent weeks training for both basketball and the fashion show, ready to swap her signature Angel Reese 1s for a pair of glamorous heels.

“My walk will be confident but inside I know I’ll definitely be freaking out with excitement!” Reese admits, planning to channel her “signature tunnel walk” on the catwalk.

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show promises an all-female lineup of musical guests, including Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, Karol G, and K-pop superstars TWICE. Reese says strutting in the presence of legends like Missy Elliott will make her feel “more empowered.”

The model roster is equally dazzling, featuring Adriana Lima, Alex Consani, Anok Yai, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, and Yumi Nu. Reese is especially thrilled to walk alongside icons like Lima and to see her friend Anok on the runway.

She also credits Tyra Banks as a major role model, calling her “the first to do so many incredible things in the fashion space.” Reese fondly remembers witnessing Banks’ return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024, describing it as “an honor.”

Angel Reese’s historic walk is more than a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of how multifaceted women can be. She’s proud to represent athletes on the world’s most glamorous stage and hopes her journey encourages others to pursue their passions both on and off the court.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of such an immensely powerful moment that celebrates women, and how multifaceted we are,” Reese says. “I know the energy and excitement will be unmatched – I’m ready for it!”

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show takes place October 15th in New York City and will be streamed live on Prime Video, making Reese’s history-making moment accessible to fans around the globe.

Angel Reese’s debut isn’t just a runway walk—it’s a powerful statement about breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern athlete and icon. Tune in to witness a new chapter in both fashion and sports history.