The Met Gala is a veritable who's who of celebrities. And it is not just those who appear on the big screen or on stage.
There are countless big-name athletes and members of the sports world who show off their best wardrobe at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan each year for the Met Gala, a massive fundraising festival that brings together many of the most influential people in the United States together.
Athletes might be known for all wearing the same uniforms during games, but they can show off some fashion when given the opportunities. They dress up on days when they're getting ready to be drafted and when they attend other celebrity-filled events like the Kentucky Derby.
Pro sports figures that have attended the event in the past include Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, former soccer player David Beckham, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, tennis star Serena Williams and many more.
MORE: Best, worst outfits at the 2024 Kentucky Derby
What are they wearing as they mingle with the biggest names from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Hollywood? Here's what you need to know.
Best and worst 2024 Met Gala outfits from the sports world
Serena Williams
Serena Williams has frequented the Met Gala scene in the past, and it's no exception for the 2024 event. The tennis star was one of the later arrivals for the Gala, sporting a golden dress with an elongated train. The color pops for sure, and is one of the more noticeable outfits at the scene.
Serena Williams poses for photos at the #MetGala. https://t.co/FR0OcMyxBQ pic.twitter.com/Zm4WtMwaKN
— Variety (@Variety) May 6, 2024
Serena Williams is a golden goddess at the #MetGala. pic.twitter.com/QRw6tXSyIl
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 6, 2024
Dwayne Wade
The Met Gala can be all about power couples, and for the NBA side, that means the appearance of Dwayne Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union. The former NBA star is in attendance for the event yet again, sporting a fairly tame suit while Union has on a silver and dress dress, perfectly themed for the 2024 event.
Dwayne wade x Gabriella Union 🖤🌷#Metgala2024 pic.twitter.com/4cqObl4aT8
— MET GALA 2024 (@realmballa) May 7, 2024
Super Wade! Dwyane Wade says he'd love to play a superhero in a movie while chatting with THR at the #MetGala pic.twitter.com/WJeyBLDecg
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 7, 2024
Ben Simmons
The Nets failed to make the postseason this year in the NBA, so Brooklyn players have time with their offseason beginning. For Ben Simmons, that means attending the Met Gala. The Nets forward arrived at the scene in a Thom Browne design, complete with a briefcase. The outfit is surely a frontrunner for one of most-discussed at the Gala, especially given the nature theme of 2024 — whether that means positive or negative feedback, it's up to the viewer.
Ben Simmons arrives at #MetGala. pic.twitter.com/L9QYIxjvJo
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 6, 2024
Angel Reese
Angel Reese left her practice with the Chicago Sky earlier today, but for one of the best reasons — to attend the Met Gala. The 22-year-old is making her first appearance at the event, sporting a shimmering dress.
Angel Reese at THE Met Gala.
— stas (@yourgirlayedub) May 6, 2024
Now that is IMPACT. pic.twitter.com/DaVtiKgx3V
And here’s why Angel Reese left Chicago Sky practice a little early today — to make her Met Gala debut (on her 22nd birthday no less!) pic.twitter.com/HVlo7oHaoK
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 6, 2024
Angel Reese at her first #MetGala! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/v1Gl0au9PN
— People (@people) May 7, 2024
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny showed up to the Met Gala donning a custom outfit design by Maison Margiela. The international rap star crossed over from the music industry into the sporting world first in 2021, when he began making appearances as a professional wrestling for the WWE. He also owns a sports agency with a number of notable MLB clients, such as Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mets prospect Francisco Alvarez.
Bad Bunny in custom Margiela!!! pic.twitter.com/ujfBfQouQQ
— Up Next (@upnextdesigner) May 6, 2024
Bad Bunny poses for photos at the #MetGala. https://t.co/FR0OcMyxBQ pic.twitter.com/PiaT4XqTWI
— Variety (@Variety) May 6, 2024
La La Anthony
She may not be an athlete, but many are familiar with actress La La Anthony due to her 11-year marriage to former NBA star Carmelo Anthony. The two tied the knot in 2010, but divorced in 2021. She is wearing an Alexander McQueen design to the Met Gala.
La La Anthony poses for photos at the #MetGala. https://t.co/cPa3gx8fkG pic.twitter.com/aeepZe6jxF
— Variety (@Variety) May 6, 2024
Lala is off to the carpet wearing McQueen! pic.twitter.com/nFWCyYhI5h
— Up Next (@upnextdesigner) May 6, 2024
Met Gala 2024 theme, explained
Each year, there is a different theme to the Met Gala. This year's theme is called, "Garden of Time." The theme stems from the new exhibition at the Costume Institute titled, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."
According to Vogue, that means outfits are likely to be floral- and nature-themed.
"This innovative show will push the boundaries of our imagination," museum CEO Max Hollein said, per Vogue. "And invite us to experience many facets of a work, to learn more about its history, and, ultimately, to gain a deeper appreciation of its beauty."
Last year at the 2023 event, the Met Gala paid tribute to iconic German designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died in 2019. Numerous attendees wore predominantly black and white, a prominent scheme used by Lagerfeld in his work.