If you thought Sophie Cunningham was only here to play basketball, think again, because she just stepped into the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spotlight and said, “Yes, I can do this too.”
And let’s be honest: she didn’t just show up, she arrived.
Cunningham dropped a series of poses that had fans doing double takes. Not because it was shocking, but because it was like, “Wait, when did she become a full-time model too?” One minute she’s locking down opponents on the court, next minute she’s out here striking poses like she’s been doing runway shows her whole life.
The poses? Bold, confident, slightly dramatic in a good way. The kind of poses where you can tell she’s fully aware the camera is her best friend. No awkward angles, no hesitation. Just straight-up “I know I look good” energy.
The basketball star – who is currently an unrestricted free agent – struck a pose in a number of different swimsuits, including a white one-piece, for the shoot.
Cunningham joined fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in a trio of elite athletes appearing in this year’s edition.
‘This is probably one of the most empowering things that I’ve done – ever,’ Cunningham told the outlet of their shoot.
‘I truly think, go kick ass out on the court and then go kick ass out in the real world being a woman who is strong, who is powerful and has the mindset that she can do anything,’ she later added.
Her SI debut comes during a massive week for her off-court career, following the news that she is joining USA Network as an analyst for the 2026 season.
Cunningham will serve as a contributor for the network’s studio coverage throughout the year, which features a historic media rights deal for the WNBA.
At the end of the day, Sophie Cunningham just added another layer to her brand. Basketball player? Check. Internet attention magnet? Also check.
So yes, the poses were wild, the reactions were louder, and Sophie? She’s clearly not done surprising people anytime soon.
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