Additional Coverage:
- Paige Bueckers joins Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson at Met Gala without Azzi Fudd after statement (themirror.com)
The 2026 Met Gala highlighted the rising star power within the WNBA, showcasing how its athletes are seamlessly bridging the worlds of sports and pop culture. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers exemplified this transition, appearing on the Met Gala red carpet shortly after addressing questions about her relationship with fellow player Azzi Fudd.
Paige “Buckets” joined teammates Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson at the event, underscoring the league’s growing cultural influence. While five WNBA players attended last year’s gala, this time Reese was the only returning star, marking her third consecutive appearance.
The gala took place just days before the WNBA season opener, which features matchups like the Connecticut Sun versus the New York Liberty, the Washington Mystics facing the Toronto Tempo, and the Golden State Valkyries against the Seattle Storm. Notably, Azzi Fudd had already spoken out about WNBA officiating ahead of her first regular-season game.
As a Coach ambassador, Bueckers collaborated with creative director Stuart Vevers to design a custom relaxed tailored suit. The striking ensemble featured an oversized blazer and wide-leg trousers, adorned with abstract paint splatters in vibrant reds, blues, greens, and yellows-evoking the look of a fresh canvas. She completed her polished look with sleek, straight hair and subtle makeup.
Ahead of the gala, Bueckers addressed media inquiries about her relationship with Fudd during Wings media day. “There is something that I wanted to address and I only plan on addressing it once,” she said.
“Quite frankly, I believe me and Azzi’s personal relationship is nobody’s business but our own. And what we choose to share is completely up to us.”
She added, “As media members, I understand you guys have a job to do, and you have to ask questions about the basketball aspect of it. That’s what I will be addressing today.
Me and Azzi have always been the most professional. We’ve always conducted ourselves as such and never let anything off the court affect our game.
That’s what we will continue to do.”
Angel Reese made a striking statement in a custom blush-pink Altuzarra gown featuring a one-shoulder design, puffed sleeves, and a cinched waist. She completed her look with tied-back hair, a diamond choker, and strappy heels, embracing the glamour of the occasion.
Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson made her Met Gala debut in a metallic gold Prabal Gurung gown, accentuated with artistic golden hand details. The textured fabric shimmered like armor, reflecting Wilson’s impressive career achievements, which include seven All-Star selections, four MVP awards, three league titles, two Finals MVPs, and two Olympic gold medals. She paired her ensemble with layered metallic jewelry and debuted a blonde pixie cut, continuing her tradition of unveiling new styles at the start of each WNBA season.
The presence of these athletes at the Met Gala not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also signals the WNBA’s expanding influence beyond the basketball court.