Sophie Cunningham reveals why she’s in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham has grown into one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players.
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And now, the former Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever player and current free agent is taking that notoriety to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Cunningham is one of a pair of WNBA players who will be in the 2026 edition of the iconic special edition magazine.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has also been photographed for SI.
So too has Team USA sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Woods.
Cunningham was photographed at South Seas Resort in Fort Myers, Florida, according to USA Today.
Last season’s Swimsuit Issue included a women’s basketball player as well, Hailey Van Lith.
Why is Sophie Cunningham in SI Swimsuit Issue?
Cunningham revealed to Sports Illustrated that this is about mindset and mentality.
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“I truly do think, like, go kick a– out on the court, and then go kick a– out in the real world being a woman who is strong, who is powerful and who has a mindset that she can do anything,” Cunningham told SI.
Cunningham has grown into one of the league’s most confident players on the court, and she’s embracing that off the floor, too.
