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PHOTOS: Serena Williams feels like “modern day Cinderella” in showstopping Met Gala look

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serena williams

No one aces Met Gala fashion like Serena Williams.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner made her seventh appearance at the Met Gala in New York City last night, and from her surprise golden bob hairstyle to her custom sea-foam gown with an epic puffer cape, every detail was a clean winner.

“For every dandy, there’s a gown,” Serena shared on Instagram, a nod to the evening’s theme.

SerenaMetGala2025IG

JUST IN: Serena Williams Melts Over Venus’ Met Gala Look That Honors Their Tennis Legacy

One of the biggest events on the fashion world’s social calendar, the star-studded gala raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and features a different dress code each year. The 2025 exhibition is called “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, and on Monday evening the theme was “Tailored for You”.

The event encouraged attendees to explore Black identity and history through the lens of dandyism, which NPR calls “an aesthetic and cultural tradition rooted in defiance, elegance, and self-definition.”

Serena arrived at the Met Gala wearing a custom Moncler x EE72 gown by Edward Enninful, accompanied by the designer himself (left).

Serena aced the assignment in style, walking the carpet in a light green gown by Moncler x EE72 by Edward Enninful. Formerly the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Enninful’s looks were also spotted on singer Alicia Keys and on popstar Miley Cyrus throughout the weekend.

But in the ultimate power move, Serena arrived at the Met Gala accompanied by the designer himself, who wore a regal tailcoat-inspired tuxedo look. The pair go way back, with Serena featured in Enninful’s “iconic” final British Vogue cover in 2024, along with 39 other stars.

“I felt like a modern day Cinderella with Moncler. Thank you, @edward_enninful!” she wrote on Instagram.

The former world No. 1’s dress featured off-the-shoulder sleeves and a sheer lace panel that revealed a slip of skin, while the show-stopping highlight was its matching long, quilted puffer cape—a nod to Moncler’s history in luxury outerwear.

o complete the ethereal look, Serena was covered in vintage diamonds by Fred Leighton, including wing-shaped earrings, a broach for her honey-blonde bob, a pinky ring and a platinum bracelet.

Older sister Venus was also in attendance on Monday evening, with the seven-time Grand Slam singles winner teaming up with Pelagia Lolotuoros, creative director at Lacoste, for a moody green tenniscore look.

Serena served as the event’s co-chair for the 2019 “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme alongside Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Alessandro Michele and Anna Wintour. This year, the co-chairs were Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair.

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TENNIS

Serena Williams Melts Over Venus’ Met Gala Look That Honors Their Tennis Legacy

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Serena Williams Venus Williams

If fashion and tennis go hand in hand, then we should call both Venus and Serena Williams the pioneers of it! Fashion started at the “grassroots level” for the elder sister, and for the younger one, it’s more like a mode of expression.

Recently, both these tennis divas stunned everyone with their glamorous looks at the 2025 Met Gala. Venus’s tennis-themed look literally became the talk of the town at this gala event. While speaking about her iconic outfit from Lacoste, Venus Williams revealed how they opted to try things a little differently at this year’s gala event. Having said that, she also disclosed that neither of them had any idea of what the other would be wearing at this event. What was Serena’s reaction after seeing her elder sister’s tennis-inspired Met Gala look?

Talking about this event, the Met Gala is an annual fundraising fashion festival that features celebrities from across the world. It is hosted in NYC, and the event allows a platform for the attendees to express themselves through their fashion. This year, Venus Williams donned a forest green dress with a bedazzled polo-style collar. Keeping the sporty nods intact, the dress also featured a pleated skirt that was short in front and extended in the back into a maxi skirt. Williams paired her dress with a matching green coat, which was decorated with tassel fringe along the lapels and the hems of the sleeves. Her footwear was more like a blend of sneakers and loafers.

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READ: Tiger Woods Must Really Like Vanessa Trump

For Venus’ hairdo, the hairstylist Araxi Lindsey used a crisscross pattern to lay her hair flat, taking inspiration from traditional African hairstyles as well as the shorter styles worn in the 1920s. Dozens of metal clips were inlaid in her hair as an ode to the iconic beaded hairstyle she wore in the 2000s. Highlighting her tenniscore look, Venus Williams shared a post on her IG handle with the caption, “#SuperfineStyle with my @lacoste family at the #METGala 🐊✨.” After seeing this post, her sister, Serena Williams, dropped a comment saying, “Wow love these poses and this lewk.”

However, not only Serena Williams, even renowned tennis analyst, Prakash Amritraj also commented, “Perfection 😍.” Tennis has always been at the intersection of sports and fashion, and Lacoste has been very much part of it. In fact, it has helped players like Venus Williams elevate the sport-chic look. They had even dropped a comment on that post, “🔥🔥🔥.” What did Venus Williams say about her own outfit, which became the talk of the town in this star-studded event?

“I’m honored” – Venus Williams expresses her joy in partnering with Lacoste for this mega event

The Williams sisters have been attending this event for a long time now. But for Lacoste, it was a debut at the Met Gala, and they couldn’t have asked for a better representation! This year’s theme at the fashion’s biggest night was ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, with the dress code being ‘Tailored for You.’

Venus Williams‘ look was designed by Lacoste’s creative director, Pelagia Kolotouros, who had also accompanied the tennis star at this red-carpet event. Speaking about Williams’ look, Kolotouros said, “Dressing Venus Williams was a profound privilege. She is a trailblazer: a tennis legend, a fashion icon, and a powerful voice for women. With this look, we brought together the tennis codes that are central to Venus’s life and career, and to Lacoste’s heritage, and reconstructed them through the lens of traditional tailoring. Her custom Couture look centres on the sports robe, reimagined with the precision and structure of tailoring, bonded with a weather-proof membrane, embellishment, and drama that brings further texture and movement. Every detail was crafted in Paris to reflect Venus’ stature and to express, through technique and silhouette, the full extent of our savoir-faire.”

Even her hairstylist, Araxi Lindsey, revealed how she wanted to creatively reimagine “crocodile skin through structural design while honoring African American culture.” What did Venus Williams say about her stunning look, though? “I’m so excited to be back at the Met Gala this year, especially with Lacoste for their incredible debut. Collaborating with Pelagia on this custom look made the night even more special. We’ve worked together for years, and this felt like such a full-circle moment. I’m honored to represent a brand that I admire so much on a night that celebrates creativity, history, art, and fashion.”

Not only Venus, but also Serena Williams’ elegant off-the-shoulder icy blue gown, which was paired with a dramatic quilted wrap, was literally a showstopper at the 2025 Met Gala

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CELEB NEWS

Chris Eubanks gives his opinion on Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios announcing they will play doubles together in Brisbane

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Novak vs Nick

Christopher Eubanks shared a positive response to the news that Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will play doubles together.

The Australian will commence his return to the ATP Tour by playing both singles and now doubles at the Brisbane International.

The 29-year-old has played just one singles match on the circuit since the 2022 US Open after suffering serious knee and wrist injuries.

Following a long road to recovery, Nick Kyrgios is ready for action once again and he will do so alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios to team up in doubles at 2025 season opener in BrisbaneWhat did Chris Eubanks say about Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios playing doubles?

All eyes will be on the Brisbane International when two of tennis’ biggest personalities join forces on the doubles court.

Djokovic and Kyrgios have formed a strong bond in recent years, which began when Kyrgios supported the former World number one following the negative response to him being deported from Australia in 2022.

They have strengthened their relationship off the court and now they will see how cohesive they are on the court when they play doubles, and Christopher Eubanks is looking forward to seeing them play.

Wimbledon finalist Novak Djokovic hints Nick Kyrgios may make US Open comeback - ABC News“I love to see them able to come together,” Eubanks told Tennis Channel. “I think we have seen a bit of a topsy-turvy relationship between the two.

“They have been able to make amends and seem to be having a bit of a bromance at various points. We have seen Nick on social media being one of Novak’s biggest supporters and cheering him on at certain points.

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TENNIS

Iga Swiatek ‘much harder’ to play against than Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, says former world No 1

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Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova

Karolina Pliskova says Iga Swiatek is a much tougher opponent to face than Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova as the Pole “gives you nothing” as the Czech also opened up about the fear factor that used to exist in the locker room.

Pliskova competed when Williams and Sharapova were at their peaks and she even topped the rankings in 2015 when the pair dominated the sport. Nine years later, the 32-year-old remains active on the WTA Tour and has also come up against current world No 1 Swiatek.

The Czech had a 2-2 head-to-head record against Williams, was 0-2 against Sharapova and 0-2 against Swiatek.

Having faced all three of them, the former world No 1 is in an excellent position to explain why Swiatek is such a difficult rival.

“To play against Iga Swiatek is much harder because she doesn’t give you anything. With Serena, in the end her game was much more aggressive or like Sharapova who I played. But they would at least give you light points or make some mistakes,” she said on the No Challenges podcast.

“I feel like Iga Swiatek is not so aggressive but she really gives you nothing and she doesn’t even have one dip where she would have like one bad game, at least in the matches where I played her.

“Especially on clay, she moves so well. I felt like with Serena, if you can get her on the move you could have some light points.

“I’m sure Serena at her best she would beat Swiatek on hard courts for sure, but it’s a different game, the personality is very different from both of them.”

WTA News

Iga Swiatek criticised for using ‘bad habit’ tactic to disrupt opponents by tennis legend

The 5 women with the highest WTA 1000 win percentage: Iga Swiatek 3rd, Serena Williams with 84%

Iga Swiatek

One of the reasons that Swiatek is more difficult to beat might be the fact that the overall level of the WTA Tour has improved in recent years.

Pliskova believes most players were afraid of stars like Williams-Sharapova back in the day and the locker room was dominated by fear, but things are different these days.

“Before you had bigger stars with bigger personalities and you wouldn’t even say ‘hi’ to them like Serena or Maria… of course there were some like Caroline Wozniacki, she nice girl so she would always speak with others, but then you had a couple they would just completely ignore you,” she explained.

“That was the mood in the locker rooms. For example, you wouldn’t even see Sharapova as she never entered the locker room so there was this fear. I never feared them on court, but you were always wondering ‘is she here, is she not going to play’.

“The stars were trying to be separate, but now I feel everybody is kind of at the same level, everybody is trying to be friendly. I think it is overall more friendly now than it was before, not too many enemies, but of course you always find somebody who hates somebody, but not too obvious.

“But on the other hand, I feel the [current] level is incredibly high from players who maybe 150-200, if they have a good day and the top player has a bad day then it could be an even match. Before I didn’t think that was the case.

“Before I had so many matches where I played completely s*** and I won whereas now if I play s*** there is no chance to win.”

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic to Iga Swiatek: Top contenders for US Open 2024 crown

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Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek

The US Open is all set to start with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek set to be the top contenders for the titles. Along with the duo, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will also be in the mix for the top prizes.

In Short

  • The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26
  • Djokovic is yet to win a grand slam this year
  • Swiatek last won the US Open title in 2022

The US Open is fast approaching, and tennis fans are waiting in anticipation for the final Grand Slam of the year. The excitement for the thrilling hard-court battles and dramatic matches has kept the tennis fans eager for the action to start. Fans of tennis can catch all the hardcore live coverage at the ‘Home of Tennis’ Sony Sports Network. As the tournament nears, let’s examine the top contenders who can win the ultimate prize.

The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26.

Men’s Division

Novak Djokovic

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TENNIS

Iga Swiatek’s doubles partner walks off court as star overpowers male player

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 Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek was happy to go at it alone during a doubles match in New York.

Iga Swiatek’s double partner walked off court mid-rally during an exhibition match ahead of the US Open.

The WTA world No.1 was partnered with Sebastian Korda for the friendly contest against Italian duo Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini.

However, for one of the points Korda and Paolini might as well have been sat on the sidelines because Swiatek and Berrettini were playing as if it was a singles match.

The two shared a lengthy rally that lasted all of 18 shots, with the point eventually going the way of Swiatek after Berrettini struggled to return his Polish opponent’s powerful forehand.

But by the time the point had been contested, Swiatek was the only player on her side of the court, with American Korda having jokingly trundled off the court.

While in jest, it was a move that hinted Swiatek didn’t need his help and was more than capable on her own.

Korda was quick to congratulate his partner though, with the 24-year-old serving up a gigantic high five to the Polish superstar.

Unfortunately for Swiatek and Korda, they would go on to lose the exhibition match, with Berrettini and recent Olympic gold medalist Paolini coming out on top.

Iga Swiatek

It came as part of a warm-up event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of this year’s US Open.

However, in the build-up to the final Grand Slam of the year, Swiatek has blasted the tennis organisers for scheduling ‘too many tournaments’.

Speaking at last week’s Cincinnati Open, she told Sky Sports: “Well, what can I say? I’ve been kind of an advocate saying that we shouldn’t like, I don’t know, be pushing and pushing for us to play more.

“Obviously it’s not our decision but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well and it makes tennis less fun for us, let’s just say.”

The 23-year-old continued: “Obviously I love playing in all these places but it’s pretty exhausting and I think most of the WTA players would tell you that. Especially when you’re playing at a high level and going to high rounds at every tournament.

“So I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more. Obviously maybe people are going to hate me for that.”

The five-time Grand Slam is on the hunt for her second US Open victory, having taken the title for the first and only time in 2022.

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TENNIS

Rafael Nadal back in training to prepare for the Laver Cup

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Rafael Nadal

We last seen Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at the Olympic Games where he was paired with the No 3 in the world: Carlos Alcaraz.

While the pair delighted the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, they did not manage to achieve a medal for Spain. In singles, the Mallorcan was eliminated in the 2nd round by the gold medalist: Novak Djokovic. Since then, he has left us with little or no news. Rafa announced his withdrawal from the US Open, which did not fail to worry fans who are impatiently waiting for the date of his retirement, while hoping that it will be as late as possible.

On Sunday, August 18, the Bull of Manacor spoke to MARCA, announcing that he has not yet made a decision, and that he is not in a hurry: “I will warn you. When I know, you will know, I am not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be at the Laver Cup and then we will see“.

RAFA BACK TO TRAINING WITH A SMILE

This Wednesday, Rafael Nadal once again stirred up the tennis world by posting a photo of himself returning to training on his social media accounts.

No one knows what the Spaniard’s future holds, but he is still there, preparing for the competition that saw Roger Federer’s career end alongside him in a doubles loss to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal brandishes the spoils of his U.S. Open final victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. The Spaniard’s win in New York City — his fourth U.S. Open title — gives him 19 career individual grand slam wins, just one shy of rival Roger Federer’s record.

 

THE TEAMS OF THE LAVER CUP

Below are the teams that will compete in the Laver Cup.

Team Europe:

  • Rafael Nadal (ESP)
  • Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
  • Daniil Medvedev
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)
  • Casper Ruud (NOR)
  • Alexander Zverev (GER)

Team World:

  • Taylor Fritz (USA)
  • Ben Shelton (USA)
  • Tommy Paul (USA)
  • Frances Tiafoe (USA)
  • Alex De Minaur (AUS)
  • Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)
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Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal’s clear view as Aryna Sabalenka makes statement on £400K win

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Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic

Aryna Sabalenka has called for equal pay in tennis after she won the Cincinnati Masters but both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have previously spoken out against it

Aryna Sabalenka has reignited the debate over equal pay in tennis after lifting the Cincinnati Masters trophy with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal previously having their say on the matter.

While enjoying a stellar 2024 season and heading into the US Open full of confidence, Sabalenka made headlines on Monday not solely for her on-court heroics but also for challenging the ongoing disparity in prize money between male and female players after her tournament triumph over Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian sensation highlighted the glaring gap as she took home half of what Jannik Sinner earned for his concurrent men’s final victory with Sabalenka’s $524,730 (£400,000) paling in comparison to Sinner’s $1,049,460 (£775,000).

The 26-year-old brought attention to the issue stating: “From the TV point of view, from the ticket selling, from every point of view, it’s unfair. Of course, guys are always going to be physically stronger than women but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as they do. Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do.”

With this statement, she joins an enduring dialogue on gender pay equality in the sports conversation previously marked by contrasting views from heavyweights such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The pair notably voiced their opposition to equal pay; back in 2016 at Indian Wells, Djokovic contended that male players should campaign for more money.

The Serbian stirred up quite the storm with his comments following then-tournament CEO Raymond Moore’s controversial claim that women players “ride on coattails of the men” and should “get on their knees and thank God” for top male stars like Nadal and Federer.

The 37-year-old initially argued: “I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches, I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more”, but he swiftly shifted his opinion saying: “I never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life.”

His retraction continued with a heartfelt acknowledgement: “I feel very sorry if, in any way, I hurt my female colleague tennis players. I have a very good relationship with all of them. I have a huge respect for all of them.”

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, who once appeared to suggest that men deserve higher pay in tennis, has since become a proponent for equal prize money and enhanced earnings for those lower down the rankings, even setting up the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil in 2020.

Nadal was another major force opposing equal pay in tennis, telling Italian magazine Lo Donna in 2018: “Female models earn more than male models, and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following. In tennis, too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.”

The Spaniard, reflecting on the gender equality debate, delivered a bold message to the tennis world, speaking earlier this year during a TV interview with La Sexta. He asserted that both male and female players should indeed be given the same opportunities but insisted prize money should reflect the revenue they generate: “I don’t want to be hypocritical and say things that are easy to say and that I don’t feel.

“What do you want me to say? For me, the investment for women should be the same as for men,” stated the 22-time major champion. “The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity.

“I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course, I want equality.”

The celebrated tennis star revealed his frustration over calls for identical prize payouts: “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men.

“What bothers me is when people tell me that income and earnings should be equal. In tennis, for some reason, the payouts are almost equal in most events because at the time there was an opportunity for women’s tennis to be seen.”

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TENNIS

ANGEL REESE PIECES TOGETHER NAMESAKE CANDY DEAL WITH HERSHEY

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Angel Reese

Angel Reese is not only a double-double machine on the court, but she’s proving to be a marketing phenomenon as well.

The Chicago Sky forward is now an official brand ambassador for Reese’s, the Hershey’s brand of chocolate and peanut butter candies, and the two sides have partnered on an apparel collection. On Wednesday, the first batch of limited-edition apparel for the “Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection” was released on her website, with Reese taking to social media to show appreciation to the fans who seemingly willed the partnership to happen.

Back in July, TMZ Sports reported that the star rookie out of LSU was in talks with Hershey’s about a sponsorship deal. The talks came not long after the Sky’s June 25 win over the rival Indiana Fever, where Reese finally gave a name to her faithful with a post on Twitter/X, saying “Reese’s pieces yall at?????”

The social media account for the candy brand replied, “Where are we? Just following our favorite player” along with an image of several Reese’s Pieces, including one with a black headband in the same style she wears on the court.

Reese has also worn sneakers styled by shoe artist Marvin Baroota with the Reese’s Pieces branding on them.

Reese emphasized a desire to reward her fans for their support immediately with the collection. “I wanted to deliver something that they could proudly wear this season,” Reese said in a Wednesday interview with Boardroom. “We worked as quickly as possible with Reese’s to build a collection that really reflected who I am—bold, vibrant and unapologetically me.”

Angel Reese

The Hershey’s partnership isn’t the only branding news surrounding the star forward. Her team announced that it will host “Barbie Game Night” when the Fever come to Chicago on Aug. 30. In partnership with Mattel, the Sky will have activations throughout Wintrust Arena that will champion women in sports while continuing to celebrate the famed doll’s 65th anniversary.

While the release itself did not directly mention Reese’s name, it has a certain connection to the star forward, who was nicknamed “the Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU for her on-court appearance: long, painted fingernails and prominent eyelash extensions that gave her a distinctive look while playing.

The upcoming “Barbie Game Night” has two fitting opponents, as the two teams have engaged in the WNBA’s fiercest rivalry this season, with Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark in starring roles. The games have not only helped break new ground in TV viewership but attendance and secondary ticket sales as well.

Reese, the 22-year-old Baltimore native, is an investor in the women’s soccer team DC Power Football Club and has other endorsement deals including with Reebok, Beats by Dre and Panini America. The 6’3” power forward was drafted seventh in this year’s WNBA draft and is averaging 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in her first pro season.

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Angel Reese Reveals ‘Pinch-Me’ Moment After Deal With Billion Dollar Brand

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Angel Reese

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s partnership with The Hershey Company can truly be considered the perfect match.

The company and star WNBA player used her “Reese’s Pieces” nickname from fans to run with a unique idea in creating an apparel collection with tees, hoodies, hats, and more.

Reese mentioned that she was ecstatic about the partnership and gave a shoutout to the fans who helped make the collection a possibility.

“This is definitely one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments, where everything feels like it is coming full circle,” Reese said.

Following one of Reese’s matchups with the Chicago Sky this season, her fans started to call themselves “Reese’s Pieces,” and the WNBA star ran with it.

She believes they started this wave and has dedicated this collection to her fans.

“The fans really made this happen,” said Angel Reese. “This collection is for my Reese’s Pieces, who’ve been with me every step of the way.”

Angel Reese went in depth about the partnership with Nick DePaula from the “Boardroom.”

She gave some background on how the idea for the partnership started and how social media helped her create an opportunity with something as simple as her name.

“The connection between my name and the Reese’s brand was obvious, but it went deeper than that,” Reese said. “My fans started calling themselves ‘Reese’s Pieces,’ and after I kept seeing it on social, I started engaging with some of my fans about it.”

Angel Reese

Reese’s apparel is currently listed on her site “theangelreese.com” where fans have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition collection.

The shirts are selling for $49, while the hoodies are $79, and the hats are $39, all of which are listed without shipping and handling included in the price.

While the details of the partnership are unknown, based on the revenue and percentage share for Reese, she’s now tied in with a historic billion-dollar brand.

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