Key Takeaways
- The 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue featured nine models plus three elite athletes photographed on Captiva Island, Fla., highlighting the blend of sports and fashion.
- Napheesa Collier (WNBA forward), Sophie Cunningham (WNBA guard), and Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden (world‑class sprinter) were shot by photographer Katherine Goguen at the South Seas Resort.
- Each athlete’s swimsuit came from a different designer: Collier in MIKOH, Cunningham in Cin Cin, and Jefferson‑Wooden in Thaikila, with Kérastase as the official haircare partner.
- The South Seas Resort offers 250 villas, nine private homes, nearly three miles of white‑sand beach, and access to a 330‑acre wildlife preserve, providing a luxurious tropical backdrop.
- Collier is a five‑time WNBA All‑Star, 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, two‑time Olympic gold medalist, and co‑founder of the Unrivaled 3‑on‑3 league.
- Cunningham, a 29‑year‑old Indiana Fever guard, shot 43.2% from three‑point range in the 2025 season, is Missouri’s all‑time leading scorer (2,187 points), and will become a USA Network athlete contributor.
- Jefferson‑Wooden, 25, is a five‑time World Champion sprinter, Olympic gold and bronze medalist, holder of the 100‑m World Championship record (10.61 s), and a 2026 Laureus World Sportswoman nominee.
- The issue also showcases talent reveals from Botswana, Loreto, and Baja California Sur, Mexico, alongside the Fort Myers feature.
The 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue continues its tradition of marrying high‑fashion photography with standout athletic talent, this time featuring three accomplished women alongside the usual roster of models. Photographer Katherine Goguen captured Napheesa Collier, Sophie Cunningham, and Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden on the pristine shores of Captiva Island, Florida, at the luxurious South Seas Resort. The resort’s expansive property—250 villas, nine private homes, and almost three miles of white‑sand beach framed by a 330‑acre wildlife preserve—provided a picturesque setting that enabled both relaxation and active photo shoots, underscoring the location’s appeal as a passport‑free tropical destination.
Collier, a forward for the Minnesota Lynx, arrived with an impressive résumé: she was named the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, is a five‑time WNBA All‑Star, and boasts two Olympic gold medals. Off the court, she co‑founded Unrivaled, the women’s 3‑on‑3 basketball league alongside Breanna Stewart, where she plays for the Lunar Owls, and serves as Vice President of the WNBPA executive committee. For the shoot, she wore a MIKOH swimsuit, reflecting her blend of athletic prowess and contemporary style.
Cunningham, a guard most recently with the Indiana Fever, demonstrated her shooting expertise by averaging a 43.2% three‑point field goal percentage during the 2025 regular season, ranking among the league’s best. Her collegiate career at the University of Missouri culminated in becoming the school’s all‑time leading scorer with 2,187 points. Drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 and later traded to the Fever in early 2025, Cunningham is now an unrestricted free agent who will contribute as an athlete analyst for USA Network throughout the upcoming WNBA season. Her swimsuit selection came from Cin Cin, complementing her sharp, confident presence on the beach.
Jefferson‑Wooden, a sprinter from South Carolina, brought track‑and‑field excellence to the shoot. A five‑time World Champion, she holds the world record in the 100‑meter World Championship with a blistering 10.61‑second finish and has earned both Olympic gold and bronze medals. A nominee for the 2026 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Jefferson‑Wooden also made history at Coastal Carolina as the school’s first individual national champion. She posed in a Thaikila swimsuit, highlighting her speed and elegance.
The collaboration with Kérastase as the official haircare partner ensured that each athlete’s hair remained camera‑ready amid the sun, sand, and sea, adding a polished finish to the natural beauty of the location. Beyond the Fort Myers feature, the 2026 issue also spotlights talent from Botswana, Loreto, and Baja California Sur, Mexico, offering readers a global tour of stunning locales and diverse talent.
Overall, the inclusion of Collier, Cunningham, and Jefferson‑Wooden reinforces Sports Illustrated’s commitment to showcasing women who excel in sports while celebrating fashion, confidence, and the vibrant spirit of the Swimsuit franchise. Their galleries promise to inspire audiences with a powerful blend of athleticism, style, and the allure of Captiva Island’s coastal paradise.