A’ja Wilson, ‘Sinners,’ Shedeur Sanders and more. Here’s our favorite sports and pop culture moments from 2025
This year just refused to let up
Culture
On its 30th anniversary, 11 untold stories about the Air Jordan 11
Jordan Brand execs, elite athletes, and famed artists share tales of unreleased renditions and future rollouts of the AJ11 never before heard
Culture
How the Club 520 podcast got a sneaker deal with Adidas
Podcast host DJ Wells breaks down his nontraditional ascent in media and why he’s not trying to sell you on anything he wouldn’t wear
Sports
Spike Lee, New York Knicks superfan, says NBA Cup is path to something bigger
Acclaimed filmmaker has been front and center for Knicks’ run to championship game in Las Vegas
Culture
John Cena’s wrestling career may be over, but he made sure to showcase who’s up next
Cena’s final match featured several Black NXT wrestling stars
Culture
Your last-minute holiday shopping guide for everyone on your list
We promise you won’t need to check it twice
Sports
New York Knicks coach Mike Brown counts Bernie Bickerstaff as his biggest mentor
Without the longtime NBA coach and executive, Brown said he wouldn’t have had an opportunity in league
Sports
For De’Aaron Fox, the ‘grass is greener’ with the San Antonio Spurs
Since trade from Sacramento, veteran guard hasn’t stopped smiling. Now, he’s helped the Spurs into the NBA Cup championship game.
Sports
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders gets rude welcome to the workforce
The rookie quarterback has arrived at a grueling gauntlet when deeds, not words, will carry the day
Sports
How Adia Barnes Redefines Sideline Fashion
Edgy comfort, vintage pieces, and real-world purpose shape SMU coach Adia Barnes’ approach to sideline style.
Sports
The tragic unraveling of former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore
Wolverines’ ex-coach’s firing and arrest could do collateral damage to other Black coaches in college football
Sports
Spurs’ Stephon Castle buys stake in Connecticut soccer teams
The former UConn guard joins the ownership group for men’s and women’s professional franchises where he starred in college
HBCU
‘To God, be the glory’: South Carolina State earns redemption in Celebration Bowl win
40-38 victory over Prairie View A&M gives the Bulldogs their first Black college football national championship under head coach Chennis Berry
Culture
Ja Morant, Richard Pryor and the man in the mirror
The comedian, the NBA star and the trials of fame
Sports
‘He didn’t change one bit’: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains Oklahoma City’s humble superstar
Complacency hasn’t kicked in for SGA after a championship, NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors
HBCU
10 years after its debut, Celebration Bowl has become a Black college football benchmark
National championship game finally took root after yearslong push, $1 million incentive
V WEEK
Deion Sanders’ emotions, honesty about cancer a victory to start college football season
Shirley Dauger went to Paris for adventure. She made a family and career.
Andrew Jones’ cancer remission gives his pro hoops career more purpose
Daughters of late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott remember the legacy their father left for Black families
Sports
The WNBA is growing, so where are the Black woman head coaches?
When next season tips off, there will be no Black women leading teams despite several offseason openings and candidates with strong résumés
HBCU
‘He’s still here in our hearts’: In the shadow of grief, Southern’s Human Jukebox finds solace in the music
Band navigates healing in wake of trumpet player Caleb Wilson’s death
HBCU
The most memorable quotes (so far) from Prairie View A&M coach Tremaine Jackson
As the Panthers prepare for the Celebration Bowl, here are the moments this season when his words made people stop, listen and understand his mentality
HBCU
Florida A&M needs a head football coach. Here are 5 candidates who should get a call.
This season, the Rattlers failed to finish above .500 for the first time since 2017
Sports
Bam Adebayo ‘in the driver’s seat’ for Miami Heat
After learning from Heat greats, franchise big man has stepped up his leadership
HBCU
Pain of 2024 Celebration Bowl loss drives South Carolina State’s bid for redemption
Head coach Chennis Berry and the Bulldogs spent the offseason focused on improving on past mistakes and bringing newcomers on the team up to speed
