Sophie Cunningham is proving her star power extends far beyond the hardwood. The Indiana Fever guard and multi-hyphenate talent has set the internet ablaze with two stunning new photos from her upcoming feature in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, sending her fanbase into an absolute frenzy.
From the Court to Captiva Island
Cunningham is adding a major line to her already impressive resume: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. The magazine confirmed she will be featured in its 2026 edition, following a sun-drenched photoshoot on Captiva Island, Florida. Photographer Katherine Goguen captured the basketball star in her element, showcasing a different kind of athleticism and confidence. This move continues a proud tradition of elite athletes gracing the pages of SI Swimsuit, blending world-class sport with high-fashion appeal.
"Sophie Cunningham is a WNBA player, podcast host and analyst. In 2026, she added the job of SI Swimsuit model to her résumé," the magazine announced, highlighting her diverse career. When she's not draining threes or co-hosting the Show Me Something podcast with her best friend West Wilson, she's building an impressive portfolio of partnerships with major brands like Adidas and Quest Nutrition.
Fans Are 'Obsessed' with the Latest Drops
The excitement reached a new peak over the weekend when Cunningham herself shared two fresh images from the shoot on her social media. One photo features her sizzling in a sleek white swimsuit, radiating confidence and joy. Her caption echoed the celebratory mood: "More SI drops hallelujahI love my life hallelujahdonkey kev and baby Brutus hallelujah."
The response was instantaneous and overwhelming. Fans flooded the comments with praise and admiration, quickly making the posts a viral sensation. "How am I first to a Sophie Cunningham post," one eager fan wondered, while another simply declared, "Stunning." The sentiment was unanimous, with comments like "Fire!" and "Obsessed with the last slide. when can I meet them" capturing the collective excitement. This kind of organic, passionate fan reaction is reminiscent of the social media firestorm ignited by other sports icons like Sue Bird or Megan Rapinoe when they've shared similar moments.
A Star Shining in Multiple Arenas
Cunningham's foray into modeling is more than just a side project; it's a testament to her growing influence as a modern sports personality. She successfully navigates the worlds of professional athletics, media, and now fashion, representing a new generation of athletes who build their brand on and off the court. Her journey mirrors that of other powerful women in sports who've used similar platforms, such as Jade Cargill in the WWE, who also electrified her fanbase with a bold swimsuit reveal.
This news also arrives as Cunningham and the Indiana Fever are gearing up for what they hope will be a dominant 2026 WNBA season. The team is looking to compete at the very top of the league, and Cunningham's rising profile only brings more spotlight to the franchise and women's basketball as a whole. Balancing high-profile photo shoots with intense athletic preparation is no small feat, but Cunningham appears to be thriving in the spotlight.
The announcement and subsequent photo drops highlight a continuing trend where female athletes are celebrated for their strength, skill, and beauty on their own terms, controlling their narrative and captivating audiences in multiple dimensions. It's a powerful statement that resonates far beyond a single magazine spread.
As the buzz continues to grow online, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham is having a moment. Between preparing for a pivotal WNBA season and captivating the world with her SI Swimsuit debut, she is solidifying her status as a true crossover star. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for more drops and, more importantly, for her next move on the basketball court.
