Three Female Athletes to Debut in 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue

Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden will be featured in the upcoming magazine.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic poses and movements of three female athletes, their bodies fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of vivid color that capture their strength, energy, and determination.Three pioneering female athletes shatter expectations and redefine what it means to be a powerful woman in sports.Fort Myers Today

The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will feature three inspiring female athletes making their debut in the magazine - Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. The trio, photographed in Fort Myers, Florida, represent empowering role models for girls who want to excel both on and off the field.

Why it matters

The inclusion of these high-profile athletes in the iconic SI Swimsuit Issue highlights the growing prominence and influence of women in sports. Their debuts send a powerful message about female athleticism, strength, and beauty.

The details

Cunningham, 29, is a free agent WNBA player expected to re-sign with the Indiana Fever. Collier, 29, is a 5-time WNBA All-Star coming off an MVP-caliber season with the Minnesota Lynx. Jefferson-Wooden, 25, is a 5-time World Champion track and field athlete with 2 Olympic medals.

  • The 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue is set to hit magazine racks in May.
  • Cunningham, Collier, and Jefferson-Wooden were photographed for the issue in Fort Myers, Florida.

The players

Sophie Cunningham

A WNBA player who is an unrestricted free agent expected to re-sign with the Indiana Fever.

Napheesa Collier

A 5-time WNBA All-Star coming off an MVP-caliber season with the Minnesota Lynx.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden

A 5-time World Champion track and field athlete with 2 Olympic medals, including a gold in the 4x100-meter relay.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The debuts of Cunningham, Collier, and Jefferson-Wooden in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue showcase the growing prominence and influence of female athletes. Their inclusion sends a powerful message about female athleticism, strength, and beauty.