Sophie Cunningham Leads Trio of Athletes in 2026 SI Swimsuit Debut
Three remarkable athletes, Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, will make their debuts in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue, scheduled for release in May. Photographed in Fort Myers, Florida, these women aim to inspire young girls across the nation.
Sophie Cunningham: A Multifaceted Role Model
Sophie Cunningham, 29, is an unrestricted free agent looking to negotiate a new contract with the Indiana Fever. She gained fame last season for her standout performance as Caitlin Clark’s “enforcer.” However, Cunningham wants to demonstrate her capabilities beyond the court.
“This is probably one of the most empowering things that I have done ever,” she stated. Cunningham will also debut as a broadcaster in 2026, contributing to studio coverage on USA Network during the WNBA season.
Napheesa Collier: Leadership in Women’s Basketball
Napheesa Collier, also 29, recently completed an MVP-caliber season with the Minnesota Lynx. She played a crucial role in the team’s playoff run, reaching the semifinals. Collier has been active off the court, co-founding Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 basketball league. Additionally, she serves as vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA).
The WNBPA recently negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that enhances the future of women’s professional basketball, promising higher salaries and a fairer revenue-sharing model for players.
Collier is entering her eighth year in the WNBA and has received a core qualifying offer from the Lynx, securing her a lucrative deal, estimated to be a supermax contract worth $1.4 million under the new CBA.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden: Track and Field Star
At 25, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has made her mark in athletics, being a five-time World Champion in track and field. The South Carolina native achieved notable success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning two medals: gold in the women’s 4×100-meter relay and bronze in the individual 100-meter dash.
In 2025, she made history by clinching gold in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay, becoming the first American to achieve this feat and only the second woman ever, following Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Jefferson-Wooden reflected on her incredible journey, saying, “A dream come true.”
Conclusion
Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden are not only breaking barriers in sports but also serving as empowering icons for future generations. Their appearances in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue symbolize strength and inspiration for girls everywhere.
