Lewis Hamilton is set to join WNBA star Angel Reese as part of the prestigious 2025 Met Gala committee, aiming to surpass last year’s record-breaking $26 million raised for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The annual event, scheduled for May 5, will feature some of the biggest names across sports and entertainment, all working together to support the Costume Institute’s mission and celebrate the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This significant collaboration highlights both Hamilton’s and Reese’s growing influence beyond their respective sports, blending fashion, culture, and philanthropy in an unprecedented way.
Angel Reese, 22, has quickly risen to become the first basketball star to join the Met Gala committee, beating out other notable athletes such as Caitlin Clark for the position. This milestone follows Reese’s breakout moment in April 2023, when she led her college team to victory over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA championship, cementing her status as an elite athlete. Their off-court accomplishments further amplify their prominence; Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark was recently named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, while Reese graced the cover of Vogue, signaling her influential role in sports and culture alike. Yet it is Reese who earned the coveted committee spot for the fashion world’s most celebrated event.
Joining Reese on the celebrity-packed panel are Olympic track sensation Sha’Carri Richardson and seven-time Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Simone Biles. The committee also boasts sports legends beyond basketball, including NBA icon LeBron James, who will serve as the honorary chair for the Gala. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton will act as one of the four co-chairs, contributing his global star power to the event’s cause. This marks the return of the Met Gala’s host committee tradition, reinstated after a hiatus in recent years, heightening excitement for the 2025 edition.
The Gala’s theme pays tribute to the Black dandy, tracing its cultural and historical roots from 18th-century Enlightenment Europe to contemporary expressions of style worldwide. According to the Met, the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition will explore this dynamic evolution, underscoring the event’s commitment to celebrating identity and heritage through fashion. Attendees face soaring ticket prices, with solo entries reported near $75,000 and tables costing up to $275,000, reflecting the Gala’s status as one of the most exclusive fundraising events in the world.
This year, the committee’s strong sports representation signals a shift toward greater athlete visibility on the red carpet. Previously, stars like Serena Williams, Dwyane Wade, and Ben Simmons have made memorable appearances, blending athletic achievement with high fashion. The Met Gala is renowned for its dazzling and sometimes daring outfits, which frequently go viral and set new trends, adding to the event’s cultural impact beyond fundraising.
Consistently, the Gala generates massive financial support, funneling millions into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The record $26 million raised in 2024 sets a high bar for Reese, Hamilton, James, and their fellow committee members, who now carry the responsibility to exceed that total. Their combined star power and passion for the cause promise not only a spectacular night but also an inspiring example of how athletes and artists can unite for a greater purpose, making the 2025 Met Gala a highly anticipated event for fans and philanthropists alike.
