Napheesa Collier may be sidelined from the basketball court, but the Minnesota Lynx superstar is making waves in a different arena. The five-time All-Star recently debuted as a rookie in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and the photos have set social media ablaze.
Collier’s shoot took place on the sun-drenched beaches of Captiva Island, Florida, and the images dropped this week to widespread acclaim. The WNBA community quickly flooded her Instagram with love, with comments like “These ate” from Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers and “Well excuse us” from Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. One fan gushed, “Okay, tell me you’re God’s favorite without telling me you’re God’s favorite,” while another wrote, “Well deserved and amazing…. Congratulations.”
Collier joins a growing list of WNBA players who have graced the pages of SI Swimsuit, including Sue Bird, Cameron Brink, Nneka Ogwumike, and Breanna Stewart. Her inclusion in the rookie class underscores the league’s rising visibility and crossover appeal. As Sophie Cunningham’s SI Swimsuit debut also generated buzz, it’s clear that the WNBA’s presence in the iconic magazine is only growing stronger.
“This was such an amazing opportunity,” Collier said in a statement. “Grateful for everyone involved in making my dreams come true.” The sentiment echoes a sentiment shared by many athletes who have taken part in the annual issue, which has become a platform for celebrating athleticism and confidence.
Off the sand, Collier is focused on recovery. She underwent surgery on her left ankle and is targeting a return to on-court activities in June. “Right now, I’m just working as fast as I can with my doctors and my [physical therapy] staff, just trying to get back on the court,” she said in April. “But everything is going well, so you’ll see me soon.”
Last season, Collier averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, cementing her status as one of the league’s elite players. Her absence has been felt by the Lynx, but her SI Swimsuit moment has kept her in the spotlight. The timing of the release also coincides with other athletes making headlines in swimwear, such as Olivia Dunne’s sizzling SI Swimsuit photos that had fans buzzing.
Collier’s ability to command attention both on and off the court speaks to her versatility as a star. As she works her way back to full strength, fans can expect her to pick up right where she left off. For now, though, the WNBA world is simply enjoying the view.
