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The 25 Most Defining Black Sports and Cultural Moments of 2025

Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, and Travis Hunter lead the top 25 moments where Black athletes shattered WNBA and NFL records, redefined fashion, and made history in 2025.

The history books are officially closed on what can only be described as a year of unprecedented dominance and cultural crossover for Black athletes. From shattering world records on the track to owning the fashion runway, 2025 was a monumental chapter in Black excellence, delivering iconic moments that transcended sports and reshaped popular culture.

To truly grasp the scope of this historic year, here is a look at the 25 defining milestones:

  1. Perfect 10 History

    Fisk University junior Morgan Price became the first gymnast from an HBCU to post a perfect score — also known as a “perfect 10” — for her bar routine in a tri-meet at Temple University.

  2. Super Bowl Art History

    New Orleans artist Tahj Williams used Black Masking Indian methods of beading to build the Super Bowl LIX logo by hand. The stunning creation marks the first time the NFL has collaborated with a local artist on the creation of a Super Bowl logo.

  3. WNBA Finals Clutch

    Kahleah Copper tied a WNBA finals record for three pointers scored in a single game.

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  5. The Sack King

    Micah Parsons became the first player in NFL history to record 12 sacks or more in each of his first five seasons.

  6. Vogue Cover Stars

    WNBA star Angel Reese and Olympic track and field phenom Gabby Thomas graced the cover of VOGUE for the magazine’s “When Sports Met Fashion” release.

  7. Heart of Gold

    A'ja Wilson makes a 4-year-old's dream come true with a sweet surprise that goes viral, capturing hearts nationwide.

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  9. Signature Shoe Star

    Reebok unveils Angel Reese’s signature shoe. The Chicago Sky forward is the first WNBA player in nearly three decades to receive a signature sneaker from Reebok.

  10. 500 Receptions Club

    Justin Jefferson ties Larry Fitzgerald for the youngest player in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions, cementing his elite status.

  11. BET Honors the Best

    Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts are crowned BET Sports Woman and Man of the Year, respectively.

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  13. Steady Rolling

    Bryce Young passes Cam Newton for most single-game passing yards in Carolina history.

  14. Seahawks Receiving Record

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba shatters the Seahawks' single-season receiving yards record, solidifying his star trajectory.

  15. Total Domination

    Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander — MVP, Finals MVP & NBA Champion

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  17. World's Best

    Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone named World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year after a historic, undefeated season.

  18. Super Bowl Trailblazer

    Autumn Lockwood becomes the first black female coach to win a Super Bowl, shattering barriers on the sideline.

  19. Yesterday’s Price is Not Today’s

    Claressa Shields signs one of the most lucrative deals in women’s boxing history.

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  21. Tokyo Triumph

     Over nine days and forty-nine events, the track and field athletes of the United States won a record setting sixteen world championships at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden led the gold medal count for Team USA with three gold medals.

  22. WNBA Milestone

    Angel Reese is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500+ points and 500+ rebounds — doing it in just 38 games. She broke the previous 44-game record held by Tina Charles.

  23. HBCU Impact

    Desean Jackson revives Delaware State Football program

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  25. Another One Thank You

    A'ja Wilson Secures her fourth WNBA MVP award, cementing her dynasty in Las Vegas.

  26. Parisian Triumph

    Coco Gauff Captures The French Open Crown.

  27. Coaching Legacy Cemented

    Dawn Staley honored with statue at the University of South Carolina.

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  29. Record-Breaking Rusher

    Saquon Barkley Becomes the First Running Back in NFL History to Eclipse 2,500 Rushing Yards in a Single Campaign.

  30. Reese Rocks the Runway

    WNBA Champion Angel Reese Makes Head-Turning Debut on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Stage.

  31. Record 23rd Season

    LeBron James Makes History in League-Record 23rd Season Debut, Extending His Unmatched Career.

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  33. Heisman History

    Travis Hunter becomes the first two-way player in modern history to win the Heisman Trophy, electrifying college football.

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