Move over, basketball highlights—Sophie Cunningham just scored a major victory off the court. The Indiana Fever guard is trading her jersey for swimwear as an official 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, and the internet absolutely lost its collective mind.
Cunningham, who joined the Fever last offseason after a stint with the Phoenix Mercury, is already making waves alongside rookie sensation Caitlin Clark as Indiana builds its future. But this summer, she's capturing attention in a stunning white swimsuit for one of the world's most iconic publications.
The official reveal sent shockwaves through social media, with an outpouring of love and some truly hilarious commentary from fellow athletes and fans. It's clear Cunningham's latest venture is a slam dunk with her peers.
The Best Reactions to Cunningham's Big Reveal
From fellow SI models to WNBA teammates, the congratulatory messages flooded in with equal parts awe and humor. Here are five of the best reactions that defined the social media frenzy.
Fitness influencer and SI Swimsuit veteran Katie Austin led the charge with unbridled excitement, posting "YESSSSS🙌👏" to her massive following. Gymnastics superstar and social media phenomenon Olivia Dunne simply declared, "That's right!🔥," adding her stamp of approval to the reveal.
The reactions took a comedic turn with content creator Biggy Bailey, who dramatically claimed, "Just passed out," capturing the feeling of many stunned fans. Cunningham's Fever teammate, Lexie Hull, kept it playful and supportive with a cheerful "Oh hi!!!!!" directed at her fellow guard.
Perhaps the most relatable reaction came from influencer Gabby Gonzalez, who summed up the collective sentiment with her emphatic post: "OH MY LAWDDD." The blend of shock, support, and sheer excitement painted the perfect picture of a viral sports moment.
More Than a Photo: Athletes Embracing New Arenas
Cunningham's feature is part of a growing trend of female athletes confidently expanding their brands beyond their primary sport. Angel Reese made Victoria's Secret history with her own swimsuit debut, while Jade Cargill turned up the heat with a sizzling snap ahead of a major WWE title defense. These moments showcase the multifaceted lives and marketability of today's sports stars.
The crossover appeal is undeniable, as seen when Laura Rutledge's swimsuit throwback ignited a social media frenzy even during golf's Masters coverage. Similarly, Kay Adams soaked up the NFL offseason with a stunning white swimsuit snap of her own, proving that athletes and sports personalities are celebrated for their talents and their confidence.
While Cunningham prepares with the Fever for what they hope will be a contending 2026 season, this offseason announcement has already cemented her status as a rising star in a different arena. The full 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue will hit newsstands later this year, but the conversation—and the fantastic reactions—have already begun.
