If you scrolling through Instagram back in September 2025, you probably saw that viral clip of Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian laughing like teenagers at a dinner table in New York. They were celebrating the launch of NikeSKIMS. Seated between Kim and Khloé, Serena looked like she was having the time of her life.
She later posted: "Over 20 years of friendship and we still laugh like no one else is in the room."
That wasn't just PR fluff.
Most people think these two just met at a Met Gala or through some high-end agent five years ago. Nope. It goes way back. Back to 2006, specifically. Before Keeping Up With The Kardashians was even a pitch in a boardroom, Kim was known as the "closet queen" of Beverly Hills. She had a business organizing the wardrobes of the rich and famous.
Serena Williams was one of those clients.
How It All Started: From Closets to Courtside
It’s kinda wild to think about. Before the 23 Grand Slams were finished and before the billion-dollar shapewear empire existed, Kim was literally in Serena’s house sorting through tennis skirts and evening gowns. That’s where the bond formed. Honestly, it’s probably why they’ve lasted so long—they knew each other when the stakes were lower. Or at least, when the world wasn't watching their every move with a microscope.
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They’ve been through everything. Kim was there when Serena married Alexis Ohanian in 2017. She’s the one Serena calls when she needs to vent without being judged. Kim once told Vogue that Serena is "the girl you can call and say anything to."
That level of trust is rare in Hollywood. Or anywhere, really.
The NikeSKIMS Era and Why It Matters
Fast forward to late 2025. The NikeSKIMS collaboration wasn't just another celebrity "collab." It was a massive cultural moment. Imagine the technical power of Nike meeting the aesthetic "sculpting" of SKIMS. Serena didn't just model the clothes; she headlined the "Bodies at Work" campaign alongside stars like Sha'Carri Richardson.
There was some drama, of course. Some critics called the campaign "objectifying" because of the tight camera angles. But Serena shut that down pretty quickly by leaning into the message of "celebrating the body." She’s always been about power and strength, so seeing her in those high-performance pieces felt like a natural evolution.
The collection featured 58 silhouettes. We’re talking:
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- Matte: For the yoga and pilates crowd using Dri-FIT tech.
- Shine: Built for heavy lifting and strength training.
- Airy: Breathable mesh for those of us who actually sweat.
- Vintage Seamless: Basically the "cool girl" gym aesthetic.
It’s rare to see a friendship survive the transition into a massive business partnership. Usually, the money messes things up. But with Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian, it seems to have done the opposite. It solidified them as the ultimate power duo of 2026.
The Secret "Silly" Side of the G.O.A.T.
We usually see Serena as this intense, focused warrior. But Kim has spent years trying to tell us that Serena is actually the funniest person in the room. Apparently, Serena is "obsessed with karaoke."
Imagine that.
The greatest tennis player of all time, who has stared down the most intimidating opponents on center court, recharges by singing her heart out at a private karaoke bar. Kim says it’s how Serena handles the pressure.
Even their public banter is hilarious. In 2023, Kim posted photos of herself on a tennis court wearing a pink bikini and holding a racquet. Serena’s comment? "Literally not how you hold a racquet. Clearly I have to give you lessons lol."
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Kim’s response was basically, I was just walking to the other side! But she eventually admitted she’d love lessons from the G.O.A.T.
What’s Next for the Duo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the rumors about Serena returning to professional tennis are everywhere. Her name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) monitoring list, which usually means a player is getting ready for a comeback.
Whether she returns to the court or stays in the boardroom, you can bet Kim will be in the front row. They’ve moved past the "celebrity friends" phase and into the "family" phase. They show up for the big stuff—weddings, births, and billion-dollar launches—but they also show up for the "blurry Miami reunions" that Serena posts about on Instagram.
Real Talk: How to Build Your Own Power Network
Watching Serena and Kim, you realize their success isn't just about talent. It's about who they have in their corner. If you're looking to level up your own circle, here’s the "Serena and Kim" blueprint:
- Start with value, not status. Kim started by helping Serena organize her life. She provided a service before she became a peer.
- Longevity is the ultimate flex. Anyone can be friends for a season. Being friends for 20 years through career shifts and life changes is what builds real influence.
- Mix business with pleasure carefully. They didn't do a major deal together until they had nearly two decades of trust built up.
- Be the "non-judgmental" friend. In a world of social media critiques, be the person your friends can call at 2:00 AM to say anything to.
The NikeSKIMS line is already selling out at flagship stores in New York and LA. It’s proof that when two people with that much history combine their brands, people don't just buy a product—they buy into a legacy.
Keep an eye on Serena’s social media over the next few months. If those comeback rumors are true, 2026 is going to be a very big year for the Williams-Kardashian orbit.
Actionable Insight: If you’re looking to grab a piece of the NikeSKIMS collection, check the secondary markets or look for the "Matte" restocks first—they’re the most versatile for daily wear. Also, keep a close eye on the ITIA list updates if you're a tennis fan; the "Serena Comeback" is looking more likely by the day.