WNBA stars Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier…
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit continues to bolster its roster of top feminine athletes.
The iconic model has added WNBA stars Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier and American observe and discipline sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden to the fold for the model’s 2026 issue, which can release next month, as seen in a behind-the-scenes video Wednesday.
The clip confirmed the three beautiful athletes posing in varied swimsuits while taking pictures for the magazine in Fort Myers, Fla. at South Seas Resort, a 330-acre island resort and wildlife protect.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
“This is probably one of the most empowering things that I’ve done — ever,” said Cunningham, a veteran guard for the Indiana Fever.
“I really suppose, go kick ass out on the court and then go kick ass out in the real world being a lady who is strong, who is highly effective and has the mindset that she will do something.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
“… This is what SI is all about, empowering the female body, so that’s what we’re doing.”
Cunningham, who’s been open about pursuing modeling alternatives outdoors of basketball, modeled a white one-piece and a bikini.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
Collier, who was seen on crutches, did the photoshoot amid her recovery from January surgical procedure on both her ankles.
She injured her ankles during the WNBA season while with the Minnesota Lynx.
“We show what it is to sacrifice, what is it to work hard [and] to achieve your dream,” said Collier, who posed laying down on the seaside and in a pool.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Instagram/si_swimsuit
At one level, the Jordan model athlete was being pushed around in a seaside chair.
Jefferson-Wooden, a five-time World Champion, added, “You can be beautiful but you can also be strong.”
The video confirmed her tattoo of the Olympics rings after she gained gold and bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The news comes after USA Network added Cunningham to their coverage workforce for the 2026 WNBA season Tuesday.
Cunningham will likely be a contributor for studio coverage throughout the season.
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