WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Stuns in 6 Jaw-Dropping SI Swimsuit Shots
Happy 30th Birthday, Sophie Cunningham!
WNBA star and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model celebrates a big milestone.
Who Is Sophie Cunningham?
Imagine a basketball player who can shoot three-pointers like a pro, talk sports on TV, host a podcast, and model for a famous magazine. That’s Sophie Cunningham!
- Team: Indiana Fever (WNBA)
- Position: Guard
- Hometown: Missouri (she played college ball at the University of Missouri, too)
- Birthday: August 16 — she just turned 30!
- Special skill: One of the best 3-point shooters in the league (45.5% average in the 2026 season)
- Off the court: Studio analyst for USA Network + co-host of the Show Me Something podcast with reality TV star West Wilson
Fun Fact: Sophie is also known for her stylish “tunnel fits” — the cool outfits players wear when walking into the arena before games.
Her Big Moment: SI Swimsuit 2026
This year, Sophie joined the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family — a huge deal in the modeling world.
The Photo Shoot Details
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Katherine Goguen |
| Location | South Seas Resort, Captiva Island, Florida (near Fort Myers) |
| Style | Black and white swimsuits |
| Vibe | “A celebration of the female form” (said the fashion team) |
| Brands featured | Cin Cin, Haus of Pinklemonaid |
She posed for multiple stunning looks — all captured in beautiful, confident shots.
What Sophie Said About the Experience
Sophie didn’t just pose — she loved the experience. Here’s what she shared:
1. On her teammates’ reactions:
“Honestly, I don’t think anyone is gonna be fully surprised… the majority of them are gonna be like, ‘Where are your clothes?’ But they also know it’s me. I think everyone’s gonna be super stoked and just proud because this really is an iconic moment.”
2. On how it made her feel:
“Being featured in this year’s issue was one of the most empowering things I have ever done… After the shoot, I thought: ‘Wow, I wish every little girl and every little boy could just feel what that felt like.’ I feel so confident, so beautiful, so amazing in my own skin… I just felt so good just to be myself.”
Important Point:
Sophie wants every kid — girls and boys — to feel that kind of confidence and self-love. That’s a powerful message!
A Few Words on the Conversation Around Her
Sophie is open and outspoken, which sometimes makes her a polarizing figure (meaning people have strong opinions — some love her, some disagree).
- She’s shared views on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
- Those comments have sparked debate in the WNBA world.
- But whether you agree or not, she’s unafraid to be herself — on and off the court.
Summary: Why This Birthday Matters
Sophie Cunningham’s 30th isn’t just about cake — it’s a celebration of:
A top-tier athlete with elite shooting skills
A confident woman who embraced a bold, empowering photo shoot
A multi-talented pro — player, analyst, podcaster, model
A role model who wants kids everywhere to feel good in their own skin
She’s thriving on the court, in the studio, and in front of the camera — and she’s just getting started.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Q: What team does Sophie Cunningham play for?
A: The Indiana Fever in the WNBA.
Q: How good is she at 3-point shooting?
A: Really good. She shot 45.5% from three in the 2026 regular season — one of the best in the league.
Q: Where was her SI Swimsuit shoot?
A: South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida (near Fort Myers).
Q: What did she wear in the shoot?
A: Black and white swimsuits from brands like Cin Cin and Haus of Pinklemonaid.
Q: Why did she say the shoot was empowering?
A: Because it made her feel confident, beautiful, and fully herself — and she wants every kid to feel that way too.
Happy 30th, Sophie! Here’s to many more three-pointers, podcast episodes, and moments that inspire.