In a bombshell announcement that has electrified both the sports and fashion worlds, Victoria’s Secret reportedly declared on June 16, 2025, that two WNBA superstars, celebrated for their dynamic presence and striking appeal, will open their iconic 2025 Fashion Show in New York City. The revelation, made during a high-profile press event, has sparked a frenzy on X, with fans pinpointing Phoenix Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese as the likely duo to lead the world’s most glamorous runway. This unprecedented crossover of basketball and high fashion has fans buzzing, but is it too good to be true?
The Victoria’s Secret spokesperson teased that “two powerhouse female basketball stars” would headline the 2025 show, emphasizing their athletic prowess and magnetic charisma. The brand, which made a triumphant return in 2024 with stars like Gigi Hadid and performances by Cher, is leaning into a bold, inclusive vision. Fans on X quickly connected the dots, naming Cunningham, 28, known for her viral pregame fashion, and Reese, 23, dubbed “Bayou Barbie” for her glamorous style, as the perfect fit. Posts exploded, with one user exclaiming, “Sophie Cunningham and Angel Reese as VS Angels? This is a SLAM DUNK!” Another wrote, “Sophie’s tunnel looks and Angel’s flair—VS is about to break the internet!”
Sophie Cunningham has become a WNBA style icon, turning heads with outfits like her sheer black ensemble at the Fever’s 2025 season opener. Her on-court tenacity, averaging 8.2 points off the bench for the Mercury, pairs with an off-court swagger that’s earned her a cult following. Angel Reese, meanwhile, has redefined rookie stardom, averaging 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds in 2024 with the Sky, while her glamorous persona—marked by custom press-on nails and high-fashion looks—has landed her deals with Reebok and Vogue features. Their chemistry, hinted at in playful X exchanges during All-Star weekend, makes them a dynamic duo for Victoria’s Secret’s stage.
The 2024 Fashion Show set a precedent for blending pop culture with empowerment, and featuring Cunningham and Reese would amplify this ethos. Cunningham’s “Cunningham Camp” for youth and Reese’s Angel C. Reese Foundation, supporting underserved communities, align with the brand’s focus on impactful women. However, no official confirmation has named them, and the announcement’s timing—just minutes ago—raises questions. X users are split, with some calling it “a genius move for WNBA visibility” and others skeptical, noting, “No press release? Sounds like hype.” Reese’s packed schedule, including her Unapologetically Angel podcast, and Cunningham’s focus on the Mercury’s playoff push could complicate their runway commitments.
The WNBA’s soaring popularity, fueled by stars like Reese and Cunningham, makes this casting plausible. Reese’s 2024 “Bayou Barbie” campaign with Sports Illustrated and Cunningham’s viral bikini photoshoot with Lexie Hull have cemented their marketability. Still, the lack of concrete details fuels doubt, with some X posts questioning if it’s a publicity stunt to boost Victoria’s Secret’s relevance. The brand’s history of leveraging cultural moments, like Tyla’s 2024 performance, suggests they’re capitalizing on the WNBA’s cultural surge.
If confirmed, Cunningham and Reese strutting the Victoria’s Secret runway would mark a seismic moment, merging athletic grit with fashion’s allure. Fans are already dreaming of the spectacle, with X posts like, “Sophie and Angel in wings? Iconic!” For now, the rumor mill churns, but one thing is clear: these WNBA stars are redefining fame, and their potential Victoria’s Secret debut would prove the league’s influence is unstoppable.