Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham debuted in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, with teammates and fellow athletes cheering her on as she returns to the court after injury.
The return of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham to the spotlight is arriving with two layers of momentum at once. She is back for the 2026 WNBA season, and she has just made her much-anticipated debut in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, sparking a wave of support across the league.
Cunningham shared the official photos from her shoot at the scenic South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida. Accompanying the images was the excited caption: “year 1 with @si_swimsuit, AHHHH!”
The reaction was immediate and unmistakably team-driven.. Women’s World No.. 1 golfer Nelly Korda responded with an emphatic “Okkkk,” alongside a fire emoji.. Fellow Fever star Caitlin Clark added her support with a like. while teammate Lexie Hull joined in with the comment. “I mean like…” followed by heart-eye emojis.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Cunningham framed the moment as more than a photo spread.. “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. ” she said.. She also stressed the importance of embracing both athletic excellence and personal empowerment. encouraging young women to pursue their passions without apology and to celebrate the full range of who they are.
On the court, Cunningham is back with the Fever for the 2026 season on a one-year contract.. After a season-ending MCL tear in her right knee last year. her last full stretch of production still stands out: she averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. shooting 43% from beyond the arc across 30 appearances.
Her influence extends beyond play as well. Cunningham continues her work off the court as a studio analyst and a regular contributor to USA Network’s WNBA broadcasts.
For the Las Vegas Aces, the wider league moment has also been marked by championship recognition ahead of the 2026 opener. Mark Davis presented the Aces with rings to commemorate their 2025 WNBA championship during the season-opening period.
But for Cunningham. the new chapter is already being celebrated in public. with teammates and athletes responding as quickly as her photos.. It is a debut that is landing at the same time as her return. and for now. the message from those closest to her is clear: keep pushing. on the court and beyond it.
Sophie Cunningham Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Indiana Fever WNBA season Nelly Korda Caitlin Clark Lexie Hull