The 25 Most Defining Black Sports and Cultural Moments of 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:
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.
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.
WNBA Finals Clutch
Kahleah Copper tied a WNBA finals record for three pointers scored in a single game.
- advertisement
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.
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.
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.
- advertisement
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.
500 Receptions Club
Justin Jefferson ties Larry Fitzgerald for the youngest player in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions, cementing his elite status.
BET Honors the Best
Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts are crowned BET Sports Woman and Man of the Year, respectively.
- advertisement
Steady Rolling
Bryce Young passes Cam Newton for most single-game passing yards in Carolina history.
Seahawks Receiving Record
Jaxon Smith-Njigba shatters the Seahawks' single-season receiving yards record, solidifying his star trajectory.
Total Domination
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander — MVP, Finals MVP & NBA Champion
- advertisement
World's Best
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone named World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year after a historic, undefeated season.
Super Bowl Trailblazer
Autumn Lockwood becomes the first black female coach to win a Super Bowl, shattering barriers on the sideline.
Yesterday’s Price is Not Today’s
Claressa Shields signs one of the most lucrative deals in women’s boxing history.
- advertisement
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.
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.
HBCU Impact
Desean Jackson revives Delaware State Football program
- advertisement
Another One Thank You
A'ja Wilson Secures her fourth WNBA MVP award, cementing her dynasty in Las Vegas.
Parisian Triumph
Coco Gauff Captures The French Open Crown.
Coaching Legacy Cemented
Dawn Staley honored with statue at the University of South Carolina.
- advertisement
Record-Breaking Rusher
Saquon Barkley Becomes the First Running Back in NFL History to Eclipse 2,500 Rushing Yards in a Single Campaign.
Reese Rocks the Runway
WNBA Champion Angel Reese Makes Head-Turning Debut on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Stage.
Record 23rd Season
LeBron James Makes History in League-Record 23rd Season Debut, Extending His Unmatched Career.
- advertisement
Heisman History
Travis Hunter becomes the first two-way player in modern history to win the Heisman Trophy, electrifying college football.