Why is LeBron James not attending the 2025 Met Gala?

The 2025 Met Gala, which this year celebrates Black style in the Atlantic diaspora and the dandy at its center, has been highly-anticipated since the announcement of its themes. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is one of this year’s honorary co-chairs, but he won’t be seen walking the red carpet of the Met.

“Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on!” he announced on X. “Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!” James added.

There was considerable speculation about whether James would attend the Met Gala, especially since it falls during the NBA playoffs. The Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, which potentially freed up his schedule. However, James sustained a knee injury in Game 5 of the series.

As he confirmed, his wife, Savannah, will be among attendees. Among other sports stars who are expected at the ceremony there is seventh-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who is also co-chair of the event this year, alongside Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo and A$AP Rocky.

Lewis Hamilton is expected to walk the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

While the guest list is not always confirmed, sports stars are always in the mix. Last year, some of the attendees included Stefon Diggs, Ben Simmons, Angel Reese, Venus Williams and Nelly Korda. As well as former pros such as Dwyane Wade, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

How to watch the Met Gala 2025

The Met Gala will be livestreaming on Vogue’s official channels, including YouTube. The red carpet is set to start at 6:00 PM (ET) and it usually lasts until 8 PM (ET). Emma Chamberlain will be hosting the red carpet.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is a charity event and fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It has traditionally been timed to mark the opening of the department’s annual fashion exhibition, which this year is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”