Paige Bueckers is a bucket. Everyone knows that. But lately, people are looking at her for more than just a step-back three or a no-look pass. They’re looking at the clothes. Specifically, they’re looking for her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Paige Bueckers Met Gala rumors hit a fever pitch recently, and honestly, it makes total sense why the world is obsessed with seeing "Paige Mayo" on those iconic steps.
She hasn't actually walked the carpet yet.
Let’s clear that up immediately. Despite the viral edits you’ve probably seen on TikTok or the "confirmed" guest lists floating around Twitter (X) during the first week of May, Paige Bueckers has yet to make her official debut at the Met Gala. In early 2025, reports from outlets like Page Six and Just Jared had her listed as a likely attendee for the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme. Fans were ready. The internet was braced for a suit that would break the sports-fashion crossover record. But when the limousines pulled up to The Carlyle and the carpet rolled out, Paige wasn't on the final list.
Why the Paige Bueckers Met Gala Hype is Real
Why do we care so much? It’s because Paige isn't just an athlete; she’s a "fashion girly" who actually gets it.
Most athletes show up to events in whatever their stylist puts them in. Paige? She has a perspective. She’s been working closely with stylist Brittany Hampton, the same mind behind some of the most iconic tunnel walks in the WNBA. If you saw her at the 2025 WNBA Draft, you know what I’m talking about. She showed up in a custom mocha brown power suit from Coach that was literally dripping in 200,000 transparent glass crystals. It looked like liquid rhinestone.
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It wasn't just a suit. It was a statement.
She told Highsnobiety that her style is a "mix of feminine and masculine." That’s the exact energy the Met Gala craves right now. We’re moving away from the era of "basketball player in a tight dress" and into an era where athletes like Paige are pushing gender-fluid, high-fashion boundaries.
The "Tailored for You" Theme and the Missed Opportunity
The 2025 theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," would have been the perfect stage for the Paige Bueckers Met Gala moment. The dress code was "Tailored for You," focusing on dandyism and the history of Black men’s style—though the invitees spanned all genders.
Athletes were everywhere that year.
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We saw the WNBA's influence growing in real-time. But Paige was finishing her legendary career at UConn, preparing for her jump to the Dallas Wings (who took her No. 1 overall, obviously). The timing is always the hardest part. The Gala happens on the first Monday in May. If you’re a college basketball star, you’re usually recovering from a deep March Madness run or deep in draft prep.
What Would She Have Worn?
If we look at her track record, a Paige Bueckers red carpet look usually involves:
- Sharp Tailoring: She loves a good blazer, often oversized or cropped.
- Streetwear Elements: Mixing luxury brands like Louis Vuitton with Nike PEs.
- Statement Jewelry: She’s been a heavy hitter for KAY Jewelers, often layering silver and diamonds to add "rizz" to a formal fit.
- The Hair: She famously ditched her "double braids" for a slicked-back ponytail and loose waves for the draft, signaling she’s ready for the high-fashion world.
Brittany Hampton mentioned to The New York Times that dressing athletes is a unique challenge because of their proportions—long limbs, broad shoulders. Paige carries clothes like a runway model. She’s 6'0" and has that natural "it factor" that Anna Wintour loves.
Examining the WNBA-to-Met Pipeline
The Met Gala loves a winner. Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have both been part of the conversation, but Paige feels like the one who lives and breathes the culture the most. She’s the first college athlete to get a Nike sneaker (the GT Hustle 3 PE). She’s been in Vogue.
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The crossover is inevitable.
Remember when Serena Williams wore sneakers with her Versace gown? Or when Lewis Hamilton bought a table for emerging Black designers? That’s the level Paige is aiming for. She isn't just going to show up; she’s going to curate.
Common Misconceptions About Paige’s Red Carpet History
- "She went in 2024." Nope. People often confuse her 2024 ESPYs look—a lilac KidSuper suit with face-doodle embroidery—with a Met Gala appearance. It was a top-tier fit, but it was in Los Angeles, not NYC.
- "She was snubbed." Unlikely. Usually, if a star of her caliber isn't there, it’s a scheduling conflict or a brand-alignment thing. She’s a Nike athlete; if a specific designer didn't have a seat for her at their table, she might just wait until the timing is perfect.
- "She only wears suits." While she loves a "power suit," she’s shown she can do feminine silhouettes too. She just prefers a bit of edge.
What's Next for Paige and Fashion?
Now that she’s in the pros with the Dallas Wings, her visibility is only going up. The "tunnel walk" has become the new runway. Every game is a chance to audition for that Met Gala invite.
Honestly, the Paige Bueckers Met Gala debut is probably going to happen in 2026. By then, she’ll have a pro season under her belt, more luxury brand deals, and even more cultural capital.
What you can do now to stay ahead of the trend:
- Follow Brittany Hampton on Instagram. She’s the architect of Paige’s style and usually drops hints about upcoming major red carpet moments weeks in advance.
- Watch the "Tunnel Fits." Pay attention to the designers Paige wears during the WNBA season. If she starts wearing more Thom Browne, Prada, or Loewe, she’s likely being courted for a Met table.
- Check the schedule. Mark the first Monday in May 2026 on your calendar. If the Wings don't have a game that night, keep your eyes on the steps of the Met.
She’s already the "Ultimate Rizzler" in the locker room. It’s only a matter of time before she’s the "Ultimate Rizzler" in the museum.