12 WNBA Stars Who Are Redefining Beauty Standards In Stunning Swimsuit Photoshoots

The narrative surrounding the WNBA’s biggest stars has dramatically expanded beyond the hardwood, with many elite athletes leveraging their powerful platforms to challenge outdated beauty standards and celebrate the strength of the female athletic form. As of this writing in December 2025, the trend of WNBA players gracing major publications and social media with stunning swimsuit photoshoots is not just a fashion statement; it's a powerful movement of body positivity and empowerment, cementing their status as cultural icons and style influencers. This surge in visibility is led by recent high-profile features in the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit* issue, which has actively sought to showcase the diverse and powerful physiques of the league's most recognizable figures. These athletes are proving that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive, using their visibility to inspire millions and drive a significant shift in how the public perceives the female athlete's body.

The New Wave: WNBA Stars Making a Splash in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

The most significant and recent benchmark for a WNBA player's off-court influence is a feature in the iconic *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit* issue. This platform provides a global stage for these women to showcase their confidence and redefine what a "swimsuit model" looks like.

Cameron Brink: The 2024 Rookie Sensation

One of the most talked-about debuts came from Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Brink quickly moved from collegiate standout to global fashion figure. Her appearance in the 2024 SI Swimsuit issue captured immediate attention, highlighting her chiseled, athletic body in a stunning array of bikinis and one-pieces. Brink’s photoshoot, which took place in Boca Raton, Florida, was a major moment for the young player, who expressed her long-standing admiration for the publication. Her images are a testament to the powerful elegance of an elite athlete's physique, moving the conversation away from traditional modeling standards.

Angel Reese: The 'Bayou Barbie' Goes Global

Angel Reese, known as the "Bayou Barbie," made her own unforgettable SI Swimsuit debut. The Chicago Sky forward and NCAA champion has an undeniable charisma and fiercely confident style that translates seamlessly from the court to the camera. Reese's feature was celebrated for its bold and unapologetic celebration of her body and persona. Her participation is a clear example of WNBA stars owning their power and using high-fashion platforms to amplify their personal brand and message of self-acceptance.

Nika Mühl: Sleek and Stylish Debut

Another standout from the recent trend is Seattle Storm guard Nika Mühl. Mühl’s photographs in the SI Swimsuit spotlight were noted for their sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Her inclusion further diversifies the representation within the WNBA stars featured, showing that every athletic body type deserves to be celebrated.

More Than a Game: Redefining the Athlete's Body and Beauty Standards

The current wave of swimsuit features builds upon a foundation laid by other WNBA legends and current stars who have used their visibility to champion body positivity and challenge outdated norms. The league's players are increasingly viewed as role models who advocate for mental health and self-love.

The Trailblazers: Skylar Diggins-Smith and Breanna Stewart

WNBA players have been influencing fashion trends for years, and the league's presence in SI Swimsuit is not entirely new. Skylar Diggins-Smith, a celebrated guard known for her impeccable style, and Breanna Stewart, one of the most dominant players in the game, both made significant splashes with their respective photoshoots. Stewart's 2022 debut in St. Thomas, for instance, highlighted the strength and power necessary for her MVP-caliber performance, proving that true beauty is synonymous with athletic excellence.

Nneka Ogwumike and Sue Bird: Veteran Voices

Even veteran stars like Nneka Ogwumike and the recently retired Sue Bird have participated in these high-profile shoots. Their involvement lends gravitas to the movement, showcasing a multi-generational commitment to body diversity and female empowerment. These shoots are less about traditional sex appeal and more about celebrating the physical form that allows them to perform at the highest level.

Te'a Cooper: The Social Media Style Icon

Te'a Cooper, known for her dynamic presence on and off the court, is another player who has leveraged her platform, including a feature in SI Swim, to become a major style influencer. Her fashion-forward approach and willingness to share her off-court life contribute significantly to the WNBA’s growing cultural relevance.

Off-Court Style: WNBA's Impact on Global Fashion and Swimwear

The WNBA's influence extends far beyond magazine covers. The players' pre-game tunnel walks have become their own runways, garnering attention for their bold, sleek, and body-conscious fashion choices. This evolution in style is directly linked to the confidence they project in their swimwear photos.

Kamilla Cardoso's Vacation Style

The trend isn't limited to professional photoshoots. Players often share their personal vacation photos, setting trends for swimwear and body confidence on social media. For example, Kamilla Cardoso, the Chicago Sky center, recently made headlines for her vacation photos during the 2024 Paris Olympics pause, showcasing her personal style in a thong bikini on a boat. This kind of casual, self-styled content further humanizes the athletes and reinforces the message that they are comfortable and confident in their own skin, regardless of the setting.

The Power of the Athletic Aesthetic

The WNBA stars' willingness to embrace and showcase their athletic physiques in swimwear has a profound effect on the fashion industry and beauty standards worldwide. They are challenging the long-held notion that only a specific body type is "swimsuit ready." Their powerful bodies—built for jumping, running, and competing—are now being celebrated as the epitome of health, strength, and beauty. This movement is a win for all women, promoting a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty that values strength and capability over outdated ideals of thinness. By stepping into the spotlight in swimsuits, WNBA players are not just modeling; they are making a powerful statement about identity, self-love, and the unstoppable force of the female athlete.