WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Sophie Cunningham are the latest stars to appear in Sports Illustrated’s iconic swimsuit cover. Collier and Cunningham joined track and field sensation Melissa Jefferson-Wooden for the May edition of the magazine.
Fans reacted to Collier and Cunningham’s debut as swimsuit models. One fan reacted:
“Way better than Angel Reese.”
Another fan added:
“Much more class this 2 girls than the mebounds girl.”
One more fan continued:
“Waaaaaay better looking than the ‘queen’ that parades around showing her a**.”
Another fan commented:
“Both are beautiful.”
One fan wrote:
“Amazing ladies.”
Angel Reese was dragged by some in their reactions after the two-time All-Star debuted on the catwalk for Victoria’s Secret in November 2025. Reese was also in Barbados on Tuesday for a campaign shoot for the same brand.
Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier and Sophie Cunningham are best known for their tunnel walks in the WNBA. They are also brand endorsers, but their appearance for SI is their debut as swimsuit models.
Napheesa Collier Likely Re-Signing With Lynx While Sophie Cunningham’s Free Agency Continues
The Minnesota Lynx have given Napheesa Collier a “core” designation, allowing the team to have exclusive negotiating rights with the perennial MVP contender. Minnesota hopes to continue building around its franchise cornerstone and defensive ace. After losing in the finals and the semis in back-to-back years, the Lynx look to have Collier back for another shot at the championship.
While Collier is likely to stay with the Lynx, Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA future is still uncertain. Cunningham became a fan favorite with the Indiana Fever last year, but a reunion is not guaranteed. The 3-and-D star, who has blossomed into a social media sensation, is expected to have multiple suitors.
Cunningham said in November last year, via her “Show Me Something” podcast, that she is looking for a “bigger contract” to “buy a house and be homey and cozy.” Regardless of where she signs, she will receive a significant increase from her $100,000 salary from last year. Due to the new CBA, the average salary spiked from $100,000 to over $500,000.
While Cunningham’s next team is still unknown, she will become a fixture in WNBA games as an analyst for USA Today. The sweet-shooting guard recently said in her podcast that retirement is far from her mind.
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