Napheesa Collier, Sophie Cunningham Take the WNBA to SI Swimsuit

The WNBA continues to grow as a league with each passing day. It was evident in their new CBA, with an increased salary cap, player experience upgrades and expanded roster changes. The 2026 season kicked off this past weekend, with some exciting games having already taken place.

If there's an indication that the league will continue to increase in popularity, look no further than this year's SI Swimsuit edition, which features two WNBA stars. Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx were models in this year's shoot. Katherine Goguen photographed both stars on Captiva Island near Fort Myers, FL.

Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever

Cunningham, the former No.13 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, has gained notoriety as a sharpshooter. In six seasons with the Mercury, she shot a ridiculous 36.2% from behind the arc, averaging nearly four threes per game. She finished third in the Most Improved Player award voting in 2022 after averaging 12.2 points on 45/40/88 shooting splits.

Cunningham now resides with the Fever, where she was traded to ahead of the 2025 season. She had a career year with Indiana last season in terms of field goal percentage (46.9%) and three point percentage (43.2%). Cunningham's profile exploded after she stood up for star teammate Caitlin Clark in 2025, earning her a reputation as the Fever's enforcer.

She started this season in the starting lineup and will look to knock down clutch shots as the WNBA's current marquee franchise attempts to capture its first championship since 2012. Cunningham is part of the core the Fever brought back to keep contunity in that title chase.

Cunningham's popularity makes her a natural fit for SI Swim, given her crossover appeal extends beyond the court.

Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

Collier is simply one of the league's best players. Her extensive resume speaks for itself, and the five-time All-Star will look to lead the Lynx again in 2026. Collier's season debut is on hold at the moment, as ankle surgery will sideline her until at least early June. Nonetheless, the Lynx will look to survive until their star returns to the court.

In her career, Collier's averaged 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3 assists all while being a defensive force. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year also has four All-Defense lists to her name. In addition, Collier was named the 2024 Commissioner's Cup MVP and 2025 All-Star Game MVP. While she still hasn't captured an elusive WNBA championship, Collier always has the Lynx in contention for a ring.

She also co-founded the Unrivaled League, giving WNBA players a chance to compete in the offseason without having to travel overseas. Collier and fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart created the 3-on-3 league in 2023. Unrivaled made waves by traveling from its home base in Miami to stops in Philadelphia and Brooklyn this past season.

Between Collier and Cunningham, the WNBA has certainly made a splash for SI Swim.

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