WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is trading her jersey for a bikini as one of the newest faces of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
The veteran sharpshooter was photographed at the luxurious South Seas Resort in Fort Myers, Fla. for her highly anticipated debut in the magazine.
The basketball star – who is currently an unrestricted free agent – struck a pose in a number of different swimsuits, including a white one-piece, for the shoot.
Cunningham joined fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in a trio of elite athletes appearing in this year’s edition.
‘This is probably one of the most empowering things that I’ve done – ever,’ Cunningham told the outlet of their shoot.
‘I truly think, go kick ass out on the court and then go kick ass out in the real world being a woman who is strong, who is powerful and has the mindset that she can do anything,’ she later added.
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham was photographed in Ft. Myers, FL at South Seas for the latest edition of Sports Illustrated
Napheesa Collier and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden also struck a pose for the shoot in Ft. Myers, FL at South Seas
The 29-year-old has long been a fashion icon in the league, often turning heads with her bold ‘tunnel fits’ before taking the court for the Fever.
She has also been vocal about the importance of athletes embracing their femininity, stating that women can be powerful on the court and strong in the real world.
Her SI debut comes during a massive week for her off-court career, following the news that she is joining USA Network as an analyst for the 2026 season.
Cunningham will serve as a contributor for the network’s studio coverage throughout the year, which features a historic media rights deal for the WNBA.
On the court, Cunningham’s future remains uncertain. She is currently an unrestricted free agent, however there is optimism that she will re-sign with the Indiana Fever.
During the 2025 season, she averaged a career-high 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, proving to be one of the most reliable shooters in the WNBA.
Recently, Cunningham revealed the one major dealbreaker that would automatically prevent her from dating a man as she lifted the lid on her romantic life.
Cunningham has been a fashion icon in the league, often turning heads with her ‘tunnel fits’
Cunningham recently offered a candid insight into her dating life, while on her podcast
On her podcast ‘Show Me Something,’ the WNBA star said: ‘Because I’m already big. So, I want someone who is going to make me feel smaller.
‘But there are so many guys who have taller girls! I think people have really good energy, and I love so many people.
‘I just can’t, I would just feel like the man in my relationship.’
