The tunnel fits are one thing, but this? This is a whole new level. In a move that’s already setting social media ablaze, WNBA stars Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier have officially crossed into mainstream pop culture as debut stars of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
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Shot in Florida alongside track and field sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the feature is designed to showcase “confidence, strength, identity, and the evolving image of women in sports.” And as Sophie Cunningham puts it in the behind-the-scenes footage shared on the Athletic Vanity X page, the experience is one of the most “empowering” things she has ever done. “This is what SI is all about, empowering the female body, so that’s what we’re doing,” she said.
Napheesa Collier, Sophie Cunningham and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden are set to be on SI Swimsuit 2026 Athlete Shoot.
🎥: @SI_Swimsuit pic.twitter.com/zzYfh6QBeW
— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) April 8, 2026
Their inclusion is a major moment, as the SI Swimsuit Issue has evolved from a simple magazine supplement into a billion-dollar media franchise, making it one of the most visible platforms in pop culture.
Sophie Cunningham and Collier join a growing legacy of basketball royalty to grace the pages, following recent appearances by stars like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, and a 2022 feature that showcased a quartet of WNBA legends, including Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart.
In many ways, the SI Swimsuit Issue bridges the gap between professional sports and fashion, celebrating multidimensionality. And in the words of Sophie Cunningham, it’s “kicking a** on the court, kicking a** out in the real world, and being a woman who is strong, powerful, and has the mind that she can do anything.”
Fans React as WNBA Stars Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier Debut Athletes for SI Swimsuit Magazine 2026
The debut of Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit athletes has, as expected, generated quite a wave of reactions from fans. And many have expressed absolute admiration for the duo, praising both their athletic excellence and presence. “Professional athletes who happen to be stunning and vivacious. Yes, please,” one fan said. Another fan, simply echoing Cunningham’s message, added, “So empowering😍…”
Fans couldn’t help but admire the stars’ looks, with Napheesa Collier drawing particular praise: ‘I’m tuning in for the Phee pics,’ wrote one fan, while another added, ‘Napheesa is GORGEOUS.’
However, some fans chose to see it from a different perspective, describing it as a savvy marketing move for the WNBA. As one fan put it, “This is so smart by the WNBA, promote the league with its faces!! 💯” Another fan went even further, adding, “Sell baby sell, this is great for the league.”
Of course, this is also, to an extent, a great marketing move for the WNBA. Although there is no single master legal agreement between the WNBA as a league and Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit. However, both sides have operated through a series of strategic collaborations and direct endorsement deals with players. They also both share the same ideological focus on female empowerment and equity.
