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Angel Reese dared to dream.  She wanted a career in fashion as well as basketball and people were skeptical. Because it had never been done before. Cut to today, she was on the Met carpet for the third time after dazzling the Victoria Secret show. That’s not all, she has inspired the entire league and opened them to a potential dual career with A’ja Wilson and Paige Bueckers walking the Met carpet for the first time. And it has not gone unnoticed as a veteran and 2-time champion has praised Reese and the two debutants for their appearance. 

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Angel Reese went for a classic Bayou Barbie shade for the Met Gala. A custom pink Altuzarra gown on the Dream star gave old Hollywood vibes. The two-time All-Star complemented her look with a diamond necklace featuring a pink pendant. It immediately commanded attention, as DeWanna Bonner has praised the Dream star for inspiring a fashion revolution in the WNBA. 

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“@angel. reese sis… you showed up and showed out, 💕🫶” Bonner wrote on her instagram stories. “I love how you’re not just walking in these rooms, you’re opening the door for the ones coming behind you too. That matters more than anything. 🖤 That look? Soft but still bold… and you wore it exactly how it was supposed to be worn. 🤎 Keep going, keep evolving, and keep taking up space the way you do. We see you. 🤎✨”

Before Reese, not many dreamt of growing a brand to the level she has. The lack of visibility for the WNBA also played a part, as many players were busy playing in multiple leagues. But NIL flipped the script for Reese and the next generation as they were allowed to establish their image and the LSU star led the way. She collaborated with multiple brands, entering fashion and becoming the “unapologetic” star she is. 

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On the back of Reese’s success, Bueckers and Wilson were invited this year and they did not miss. Wilson went exotic blonde along with her textured, metallic gown and the gold chokers. 

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“@aja22wilson girlll… we didn’t expect anything less from you, 🔥🤍,” Bonner wrote. “That look was bold, powerful, and straight up unforgettable, just like you. 🥰 The way you walked in that room and owned it? Yeah… that’s what it’s supposed to look like.”

While Wilson commanded authority, Bueckers went with a creative approach. She had a unique style with a custom three-piece Coach suit, which had multicolored graffiti blotches and intricate beading across it. And it perfectly demonstrated who she is, according to Bonner. 

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“@paigebueckers this was easily one of my favorite looks on you ❣️” Bonner wrote. “It felt like you, and the people who really know you, get it. That perfect mix of art and intention… like yeah it’s fashion, but it still said “I mean business” 🥰 Soft, sharp, and still ✨ all at the same time. You looked incredible, sis. Keep going, keep evolving, and keep showing up exactly as you are 🤍✨I love how you continue to show up as your full self—confident and beautiful in every space you step into. Keep being bold, keep being you, and keep raising the bar every time. You’re killing it, always. 🤍✨”

It was a night of parading the WNBA influence. A cultural moment that could define the league for years, as it came at a pivotal moment. The league is undergoing a massive change with the increased salaries in the new CBA deal and the broadcasting deal. The league turned a profit large enough for the first time to trigger sharing as per the old CBA as well. However, Angel Reese is not stopping here. She is set to expand her horizons with a role in “Hunting Wives” season 2.

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Angel Reese Hints At Expanding Her Acting Resume Amid Hunting Wives Role Reveal

Angel Reese’s rise has not been limited to fashion or even basketball. She has dabbled into acting as well. In her acting debut, Reese appeared alongside Idris Elba in ‘A House of Dynamite.’ She played herself in a scene where she played basketball with Elba’s character, the President of the United States. 

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She also voiced Propp, a polar‑bear “roarball” athlete in the Steph Curry-produced movie “The Goat.” Now, Reese is set to appear in ‘Hunting Wives’ Season 2 but she is looking for much more after arriving in Atlanta. 

“Hunting Wives season 2. Stay tuned. I have a really fun role, Trainer Barbie. It was really fun, and being able to tap into a different space is really cool,” Reese said. When asked if she was looking for more acting jobs Reese responded, “Yes, I am. Actually, I’m waiting for Tyler Perry to call me since I’m in Atlanta now. So call me Abu.”

The Atlanta-based actor-director has worked on multiple award-winning series and movies, including “House of Payne” and “For Colored Girls.” So, Reese could appear in his next project after this public call-out. Meanwhile, Reese will return to the court for the 2026 season for the Dream with her season opener slated for May 9th against the Minnesota Lynx. 

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Soham Kulkarni

1,375 Articles

Soham Kulkarni is a WNBA Writer at EssentiallySports, where he focuses on data-backed reporting and performance analysis. A Sports Management graduate, he examines how spacing in efficiency zones, shot selection, and statistical shifts drive results. His work goes beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, helping readers see how underlying trends affect player efficiency and the evolving strategies of the women’s game. With a detail-oriented and analytical approach, Soham turns complex data into accessible narratives that bring clarity to the fastest-moving moments of basketball. His reporting captures not just what happened, but why it matters, showing fans how small efficiency gains, defensive structures, and tempo shifts can alter outcomes. At ES, he provides a sharper, stats-first lens on the WNBA’s present and future.

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