A’ja Wilson Unveils Nike A’One Signature Shoe & Apparel Collection
After months of anticipation, the A’ja Wilson signature shoe and apparel line from Nike is finally here. The Nike A’One has been revealed in a “Pink Aura” launch colorway, complete with A’ja logo likeness, pearl necklace nods, and a plush low-top look. Slated to launch for $110 in unisex sizing this May, adjacent apparel offerings and youth sizing will also be offered for the in-demand collection from the three-time MVP. “I’m always talking about being top tier. … Anywhere or anything that you do in life, being top tier and being unapologetically yourself in that,” Wilson told Boardroom.
Angel Reese, Doechii, André 3000 Among Met Gala Host Committee Selections
The 2025 Met Gala guest list and esteemed theme have finally been announced. According to Vogue, LeBron James leads the list as Honorary Chair, backed by Anna Wintour, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, and Pharrell Williams as Co-Chairs. The names tied to the Host Committee are equally impressive, spanning the likes of Angel Reese, Andre 3000, Doechii, Dapper Dan, Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and more. Sartorially, “Tailored to You” is the chosen theme, focusing on Black dandy fashion of the 19th century.
GloRilla Signs on with Rihanna’s Fenty Empire as First-Ever Partner
Memphis MC GloRilla is in business with Rihanna. The three-time Grammy nominee joins Fenty as its first-ever partner, serving as the face of the “Glo Up Close” campaign for RiRi’s multi-billion dollar fashion house founded in 2017. Only 25 years old, the “Yeah Glo!” rapper will act as an ambassador to Fenty’s range of beauty, hair, lingerie, and skin care products for Spring 2025. “This spring season is all about celebrating confidence, boldness, and embracing your glow,” GloRilla said in a statement.
WNBA Signals More Expansion with New Team Trademarks
Golden State, Toronto, and Portland are all announced locations of new WNBA expansion franchises — but are more on the way? While talks of new teams from Philadelphia to Austin have all hit the rumor mill, a recent trademark filing from the WNBA itself sheds light on the potential return of four famed franchises: the Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, Charlotte Sting, Detroit Shock, and Miami Sol. Although returns to each market are unconfirmed, the patent application poses the possibility of roundball revival in historic spots.
‘Cowboy Carter’ Streams Skyrocket Following Beyoncé’s Grammy Wins
Beyoncé’s big night at the 2025 Grammy Awards has already made for a big day in streaming. Since taking home Album of the Year and Best Country Album honors for Cowboy Carter, the 2024 crossover project has skyrocketed on Spotify, seeing streams soar 795% as compared to the day before Queen Bey took home the hardware. Said surge also aligns with the announcement of the project’s anticipated arena tour, set to kick off this April at SoFi Stadium.
Tyshawn Jones Joins Victor Wembanyama, Carlos Alcaraz at Louis Vuitton
Professional skateboarder and NYC native Tyshawn Jones is the newest Louis Vuitton ambassador. The two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year winner joins LV’s “Friend of the House” program, aligning with the likes of English footballer Jude Bellingham, French hooper Victor Wembanyama, and Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz as athletes tied to the $130 billion LVMH empire.
Spotify Stock Surges After First-Ever Full-Year Profitable Report
Swedish streaming stalwart Spotify has made noise since its 2006 founding, but heading into 2025, it’s making money. On Tuesday, the audio juggernaut posted its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings for 2024, revealing its first-ever full-year profit, which led to a 10% stock surge. Spotify also reported it paid a record $10 billion to the music industry in 2024, a trend that will likely continue as the company enters a multi-year agreement with Universal Music Group.
For more on Spotify’s profit pivot, read the latest installment of Tech Talk from Boardroom’s own Michelai Graham.
Pedro Pascal & Vanessa Kirby Lead ‘Fantastic Four’ Reboot
Summer blockbuster season is months away, but breadcrumbs are already being spread. A new teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as members of the Marvel quartet. The film, which will release on July 25, will take place in 1960s Manhattan and apply a retro-future lens to the famed franchise.
Coco Gauff Gifts UNCF $100K Towards HBCU Tennis Scholarships
Nine-time WTA singles champ Coco Gauff has made history again, but this time off the court. The 20-year-old phenom has donated $100,000 to UNCF, providing scholarships for tennis players at HBCUs. Her generous gift places her among the youngest major donors in UNCF’s 80-year history and right at home with her ancestry. “My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs,” Gauff said in a statement, citing various branches of her family tree as HBCU alum. “As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education.”
Travis Scott Scores First No. 1 Single in 5 Years with ‘4×4’
Travis Scott is atop the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in nearly half a decade. Scott’s single “4×4” — premiered live at the College Football Playoff National Championship — debuted at No. 1 domestically, knocking Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars duet, “Die With a Smile,” to No. 2. This marks the fifth time in Scott’s career he’s topped the Billboard Hot 100, last seen with 2020’s Young Thug and M.I.A.-assisted single “Franchise.”