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Sophie Cunningham, Napheesa Collier bring powerful message to Sports Illustrated spotlight originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The setting might be a beach in Florida, but the impact goes far beyond a photoshoot. Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier are part of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and what they’re representing feels just as important as how they look. Alongside Olympic sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the athletes took part in a shoot that blends confidence, strength, and identity in a way that continues to reshape how female athletes are viewed.

“This is probably one of the most empowering things that I’ve done — ever,” Cunningham said during the shoot.

That message comes through clearly. This isn’t about stepping away from basketball. It’s about expanding what being a professional athlete can look like.

Sophie Cunningham for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2026) pic.twitter.com/L803GjoBO2

— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) April 8, 2026

More than a photoshoot

Cunningham has steadily built a presence beyond the court with the Indiana Fever, and this moment fits naturally into that growth. She’s leaned into opportunities that highlight personality and confidence, and this is another example of that evolution.

Collier’s appearance adds even more weight to the moment. The Minnesota Lynx star participated while recovering from ankle surgery, at times using crutches during the shoot. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always look perfect. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway.

Jefferson-Wooden echoed a similar idea. Athletes don’t have to choose between power and beauty. They can be both at the same time.

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A bigger shift happening in sports

Moments like this feel different because the conversation around women’s sports is changing.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has featured athletes before, but now it feels less like a crossover and more like an extension of who these players already are. They’re not stepping into a different role. They’re bringing their full identity with them.

That matters for a league like the WNBA, where players have spent years pushing for visibility and respect. Opportunities like this don’t replace what happens on the court, but they do help expand how athletes are seen off it.

Why it matters right now

The timing isn’t random.

The WNBA continues to grow, and so does the influence of its players. Cunningham stepping into media roles and Collier remaining a central figure even while recovering both reflect that momentum.

This shoot fits into that larger movement. It shows where things are heading.

For Cunningham, Collier, and Jefferson-Wooden, this isn’t just about a magazine feature. It’s about control, visibility, and redefining expectations.

And in today’s sports landscape, that might matter just as much as anything that happens during a game.

More WNBA news:

• Stephen A. Smith didn’t hesitate on Angel Reese trade and his reason says everything
• Caitlin Clark volunteers for the sweetest job in Chicago after Cubs’ fan contest post
• Angel Reese gets a fresh start in Atlanta after two turbulent seasons in Chicago
• Caitlin Clark effect is already changing everything for Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever
• Sophie Cunningham turns heads with offseason post as WNBA return nears

Jaylen Brown Praises Potential Playoff Opponent With Flattering Comparison originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets gave the Boston Celtics everything they could handle on Tuesday night at TD Garden, racing out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and keeping the game close for most of the evening. The Celtics didn't pull away until the fourth quarter, emerging with a hard-fought 113-102 victory.

While Boston came out on top, the Hornets kept things close in almost every category despite running out of steam during the fourth quarter, when they were simply unable to keep up with the Celtics' superior talent.

Jaylen Brown, who led Boston with 35 points and nine rebounds in another MVP-caliber performance, praised Charlotte after the game with a flattering comparison.

"It's been a great year, I'm proud of our guys. Now it's time to get ready for the playoffs."

Jaylen Brown speaks with Ashley ShahAhmadi after the Celtics win. pic.twitter.com/2rbqqPkei4

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 8, 2026

"This team kind of reminds me of us when we were younger," Brown told sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi after the game. "Young group, shoot the ball well, got a lot of different guys who can beat you, and they got a fearlessness, so they came out ready to play. Today was like a playoff-like game, and we found a way to win."

Led by young stars like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Rookie of the Year candidate Kon Knueppel, the Hornets have emerged as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference this year. After getting off to a slow start, they've been one of the best teams in basketball over the past two and a half months, going 27-9 over their last 36 games.

Two of those losses came against the Celtics, but so did one of their wins. There's a chance they'll meet again in the playoffs depending on how the postseason bracket shakes out.

Based on how Charlotte's played Boston this year, it would be an entertaining series.

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