The Met Gala: A night for stars you adore, and dozens of others you’ve never heard of, to strut the red carpet in themed luxury wear. This year’s event again featured a long list of fashion-minded athletes trading in their cleats and sneakers for something a little less comfortable.

It all kicks off the spring exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. A ticket to last year’s Met Gala would have run you a paltry $75,000. This year? Bump that price tag up to a cool $100,000, fit costs not included.

The 2025 event featured Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as an honorary chair, while Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton was a co-chair. This year, they had tennis legend Venus Williams as a co-chair (alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour), and the Las Vegas Aces’ Aja Wilson was on the host committee.

This year’s theme is “Costume Art,” and the dress code is “Fashion Is Art.”

As someone who saw and really enjoyed “Devil Wears Prada 2” just last night, I feel fully qualified for this assignment. Now, let’s take a look at some of the biggest sports figures in attendance.

We’ll start with Williams herself. She sparkled in a black Swarovski gown, inspired by her portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. Her neckpiece made the ensemble. In a red carpet interview with La La Anthony for Vogue, Williams said it was an adaptation of Wimbledon’s Venus Rosewater Dish trophy, which is named after her. It was embellished with designs referencing her family members and West African heritage.

Venus Williams for #MetGala pic.twitter.com/jUMZPgThOD

— Met Gala 2026 (@2026MetGala) May 4, 2026

Williams’ sister Serena Williams, who co-chaired the 2019 gala, also showed out in a silver gown and a right leg wrapped in golden branches, reminiscent of a gladiator sandal.

Serena Williams attends the 2026 Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/zwIpcqk9I9

— 21 (@21metgala) May 4, 2026

Wilson went all gold, fingers and hair included. It was elegant and featured its own standout neckpiece.

(Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)

Quarterback Russell Wilson and Ciara showed up in gold of their own. They seemed bird-themed? Probably not for the Seattle Seahawks, though. There’s your out-of-date sports drama reference of the night.

(Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn also hit the red carpet, just a bit over two months after suffering a brutal leg injury during a crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

(Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue)

First steps… I’m coming for you MET Gala!! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/6jqfjzxL9q

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) May 4, 2026

Another Olympic star, snowboarder Eileen Gu, wore a short dress that appeared to be inspired by a bubble bath. Her platinum heels looked particularly hard to walk in, at least to this reporter.

(Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)

We also had American Olympic breakout Alysa Liu, who went strapless with a heavy dose of scarlet ruffles.

Alysa Liu at the #MetGala. pic.twitter.com/F2vCyxikTB

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 4, 2026

I truthfully have no idea what Naomi Osaka was going for, but it was pretty rad. She looked like a snowbank with small red tree saplings poking through. And if you think the outfit was cool, check out her reveal.

(Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

WNBA star Angel Reese, fresh off her blockbuster trade to the Atlanta Dream, rocked a pink, off-the-shoulder gown and a giant diamond necklace.

Angel Reese at the #MetGala. pic.twitter.com/0I1srvumNA

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 4, 2026

Fellow WNBA standout Paige Bueckers opted for a suit over a dress. It was black and covered in Jackson Pollock-esque paint splatters.

Last year cut down the net, next year go to The Met 🎨@paigebueckers1 shuts down The Met carpet! pic.twitter.com/4V0AF8fATy

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 4, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow traded in orange for this blue number, sans designer shades. He stopped to pose alongside Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, whose suit was more traditionally tuxedo-like.

Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson pulling up for the Met Gala 🔥

📷: AP pic.twitter.com/OvklH12Da8

— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2026

Connor Storrie, one of the leads in the queer hockey phenomenon Heated Rivalry, made an appearance, too. He sported black pants and a white-speckled blouse.

(Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

His co-star Hudson Williams was there, too.

(Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

Actor Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, used their outfit colors to represent the New York Knicks, who opened their second-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Stiller made a point to call the series outcome, saying, “Knicks in six.” He delivered that prediction to La La Anthony, the ex-wife of Carmelo Anthony. Poetic.

Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor literally brought the Knicks to the Met Gala 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/3xDOksERE3

— Complex (@Complex) May 4, 2026

The Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler wore whatever this is.

No watch at the #MetGala for Jimmy Butler, but he did bring some ALO to the carpet. pic.twitter.com/y65qhcz2ve

— Complex Style (@ComplexStyle) May 4, 2026

Dwyane Wade also went all-black, but his jacket served more as an accessory alongside his sheer top. “Look, muscles!” he (probably) said.

Dwyane Wade & Jimmy Butler for the 2026 Met Gala🔥🏀 pic.twitter.com/lXDlA5o4bU

— RapTV (@Rap) May 4, 2026

Russell Westbrook of the Sacramento Kings likewise forgot a shirt but remembered his gems.

(Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

Would any gathering of the hyper-rich be complete without a sports franchise investor? Here’s supermodel Karlie Kloss, one of the pocketbooks behind the New York Liberty. She was dressed as the world’s most expensive, mid-straining ball of mozzarella.

karlie kloss on her way to the met gala 🤍 pic.twitter.com/WvGN2suaEJ

— karlie kloss archive (@archiveofkloss) May 4, 2026

Whatever your thoughts on ballet are, Misty Copeland is a phenomenal athlete who could probably beat you up. Also, did you see her cameo at the Oscars during the performance of Sinners’ “I Lied To You” a few months ago? Executive decision: She makes the list.

(Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

Here’s another one you may mock me for including. Dwayne Johnson, The People’s Champion.

(Mike Coppola / Getty Images)