Sophie Cunningham has made her first appearance in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and the debut quickly became a talking point across social media. The Indiana Fever guard shared images from her shoot at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida, and the response from teammates and fellow athletes was immediate.
Cunningham captioned the post, “year 1 with @si_swimsuit, AHHHH!” and the comment section filled with support. Women’s World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda replied with “Okkkk” and a fire emoji, while Caitlin Clark showed approval with a like and Lexie Hull added, “I mean like…” with heart-eye emojis.
A debut that fits Cunningham’s public image
The Sports Illustrated feature adds another layer to Cunningham’s profile beyond basketball, where she has built a reputation as a physical, outspoken, and high-energy player. Her appearance in the swimsuit edition also reflects the growing crossover between women’s sports and mainstream lifestyle media, with athletes increasingly reaching audiences beyond the court.
Cunningham described the moment to Sports Illustrated as part of a larger message about confidence and identity. “I truly do think, like, go kick a– out on the court, and then go kick a– out in the real world being a woman who is strong, who is powerful and who has a mindset that she can do anything,” she said.
Support from around the WNBA and beyond
The reaction to Cunningham’s debut underscores her visibility within the Fever organization and among other prominent athletes. Public support from Clark, Hull, and Korda helped amplify the post, turning the reveal into a broader social media moment rather than a routine magazine feature.
That attention also reflects Cunningham’s status as a recognizable figure in women’s basketball. Her presence in the edition places her alongside other public figures who have recently appeared on Sports Illustrated covers and in the swimsuit issue, adding to the magazine’s continuing connection with athletes and entertainers.
Returning to the Fever after injury
Cunningham has rejoined Indiana for the 2026 season on a one-year contract. Before a season-ending MCL tear in her right knee last year, she was averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from three-point range in 30 appearances.
Her role has expanded beyond playing as well. Cunningham also works as a studio analyst and serves as a regular contributor to USA Network’s WNBA broadcasts, keeping her visible during and outside of the season. That mix of on-court production, media work, and now a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut has made her one of the more notable names in the league’s public conversation.
Read more at: www.usatoday.com-
-
-
-
