Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the iconic franchise that has defined the intersection of athleticism, fashion and cultural conversation for more than 60 years, today announced the full reveal of its 2026 issue. Shot across the pristine Fort. Myers coastline, the wildlife-rich expanses of Botswana, the storied shores of Montauk, the hidden gem that is South Caicos and the sun-baked peninsula of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, the 2026 edition is one of the brand’s most expansive and dynamic issues to date.
This year’s cover models are Alix Earle, Hilary Duff, Nicole Williams English and Tiffany Haddish. Earle was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Botswana; Duff by Kat Irlin in South Caicos, Williams English by Ben Watts in Montauk, N.Y., and Haddish by James Macari in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The 2026 roster spans Olympic gold medalists, WNBA champions, award-winning artists, television personalities, supermodels and social media trailblazers all united by a shared commitment to redefining what it means to be powerful, celebrated and seen. Featured talent includes: Achieng Agutu, Alix Earle, Ali Truwit, Bethenny Frankel, Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Christen Goff, Ellie Thumann, Erin Marley Klay, Gabi Moura, Haley Baylee, Hannah Berner, Hilary Duff, Hunter McGrady, Ilona Maher, Jasmine Sanders, Jena Sims, Jocelyn Corona, Katie Austin, Lauren Chan, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Meredith Mickelson, Molly Sims, Napheesa Collier, Nina Agdal, Nicole Williams English, Olandria, Olivia Dunne, Penny Lane, Remi Bader, Sophie Cunningham, Tiffany Haddish, Tunde Oyeneyin and XANDRA.
The 2026 issue continues SI Swimsuit’s tradition of celebrating women at every stage of their lives and careers, with body diversity, inclusivity and authentic representation at the heart of every creative decision. From established supermodels to emerging digital creators, this year’s cast reflects the full spectrum of modern femininity.
“Every year we ask ourselves how we push further, how we find the women, the locations and the stories that make people stop and feel something. The 2026 issue is our answer. This class is extraordinary,” says MJ Day, editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
“At first glance, our four cover models Alix Earle, Hilary Duff, Nicole Williams English and Tiffany Haddish redefine what you might expect from the Swimsuit Issue and that’s exactly what makes this moment so exciting. This issue isn’t about sameness; it’s about celebrating individuality. Each woman brings a distinct combination of relevance, resilience and range that extends far beyond what’s expected. From Tiffany’s deeply human story rooted in joy and honesty, to Alix’s evolution of access into influence, to Nicole’s commitment to authentic growth and Hilary’s quiet reinvention marked by confidence, humor and grace, together, they represent the power of embracing every chapter. As part of a collective of 34 remarkable women, they remind us that there is no single blueprint for success or happiness and that truth is not limiting, it’s liberating.”
The shoots for this year’s issue took place in the protected area of the Okavango Delta, Botswana with Abercrombie & Kent; Montauk, N.Y.; Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico; South Caicos and the Fort Myers area in Florida.
The Botswana shoot was produced in collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent, the world’s leading luxury safari and travel company. Accommodations in Montauk were provided by Hero Beach Club, a standout boutique beachfront property, while the Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico shoot was supported by La Mision, Hotel 1697 and Posada del Cortes. In Fort Myers, the team stayed at South Seas, a 330-acre island resort and wildlife preserve along Florida’s iconic Gulf Coast. Salterra Resort & Spa, the secluded sanctuary resort provided the incredible backdrop for the South Caicos shoot. Each destination and hotel partner was hand-selected as part of SI Swimsuit’s ongoing commitment to placing its talent in extraordinary, world-class settings that elevate the visual narrative and tell a story far beyond the shoreline.
To celebrate the release, SI Swimsuit will be taking over New York City. From a media tour featuring talent in the issue to lighting the Empire State Building and hosting a star-studded red carpet event, the festivities will highlight the issue’s impact. For the second year in a row, SI Swimsuit will host the Social Club, a members-only pop-up experience featuring the debut of SI Swimsuit Live, a new all-talent show hosted by Shannon Ford, alongside live shows featuring The Toast and The Bossticks from Dear Media, creator-led master classes in partnership with TikTok and Microsoft, LTK-powered shopping experiences featuring looks from the 2026 issue, immersive beauty and wellness activations and limited-edition merchandise. Official partners of SI Swimsuit Launch Week, including Radiesse, Kérastase, Hawaiian Tropic, Circle to Search with Google powered by Samsung Galaxy, LaCroix Sparking Water, Sofwave Medical, Microsoft 365, Windows 11 and more will be on hand with exclusive experiences and giveaways.
“The continued evolution of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is rooted in building a fully integrated, multi-platform business that delivers meaningful value for our partners,” says Hillary Drezner, general manager of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. “With a record-breaking number of partners this year, brands are increasingly coming to us to activate and reach a highly engaged audience, making SI Swimsuit launch week one of the key cultural and commercial moments on the calendar. Through expanded partnerships including talent and social collaborations, tentpole events and the return of the Social Club, we are building scaled opportunities for integration across our ecosystem from print and digital to social, experiential and commerce. Our focus is on delivering cohesive, end-to-end programs that drive visibility, engagement and long-term growth.”
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 issue is available across digital platforms and the print issue will be available on newsstands in select markets on May 14 and nationally on May 26. Exclusive video content, behind-the-scenes footage and extended interviews can be found at swimsuit.si.com.
ABOUT THE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is one of the most recognizable and influential symbols of pop culture. Featuring talent from around the world, the issue has become a revered launching pad for successful careers in media, fashion, business, TV and film. The iconic and innovative institution continues to set the cultural tone and evoke discussion about what defines beauty on a global scale. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has become a lifestyle platform that champions body confidence and self-expression, and connects with diverse audiences through digital content and signature experiences that nurture the body, soul and spirit. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit remains steadfast in its goal of providing an inspirational media platform for individuals where they can connect, explore and engage with 24/7 content that speaks to wellness, travel, style and beauty. For more information, visit swimsuit.si.com.
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ABOUT MINUTE MEDIA
Minute Media is a global technology and content company built for the future of sports consumption. Minute Media’s proprietary technology platform enables the creation, distribution and monetization of digital content experiences, which powers Minute Media’s portfolio of trusted content brands, including Sports Illustrated, The Players’ Tribune and FanSided as well as third-party publishers and advertisers. The technology platform also includes STN Video, an online video platform (OVP), which provides access to a robust sports highlights rights portfolio. Minute Media is building the future of how the world connects with sport, powered by innovation, shared globally, and trusted by millions of fans and the partners we serve. For more information, visit www.MinuteMedia.com.
COVER PHOTO RESTRICTIONS
USA and CANADA usage only for the promotion of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Credit: Photographer name /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.
Captions must include the words “on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationally on May 26” (or “on newsstands now” after that date). Mandatory link back to swimsuit.si.com with all use. Watermark must be shown in its entirety and visible at all times (Including social media use)
ALL INTERNATIONAL VIDEO AND PHOTO USE MUST BE CLEARED THROUGH SI CONTENT MANAGEMENT: pkalliat@authentic.com
FOR USE
Broadcast Restrictions:
– B-ROLL is for broadcast use only and cannot be used online. You may find embeddable video for online use at swimsuit.si.com.
– One-time broadcast-use only.
– All online video must be embedded from SI’s player.
– SI logo must be clearly visible.
– Mandatory credit: SPORTS ILLUSTRATED must be visible on-screen for the duration the video is shown.
– Must verbally or on-screen state: “See more at swimsuit.si.com. The issue is on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationally on May 26.”
– All international video use must be cleared through SI Content Management: pkalliat@authentic.com
Print Restrictions:
– One-time print use only – ends June 15, 2026
– No more than two photos may be used in addition to the cover(s).
– SI logo watermark must be clearly visible.
– Mandatory photo credit: Photographer name /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
– Caption must include “See more at swimsuit.si.com. The issue is on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationally on May 26 (or “on newsstands now” after that date)
– All international photo use must be cleared through SI Content Management: pkalliat@authentic.com
Online Restrictions:
– Usage ends June 15, 2026
– SI logo watermark must be clearly visible.
– No more than two photos may be used in addition to the cover.
– Mandatory photo credit: Photographer name /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.
– Caption must include: “The issue is on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationally on May 26” (or “on newsstands now” after that date)
– Mandatory link back to swimsuit.si.com.
– All international photo use must be cleared through SI Content Management: pkalliat@authentic.com
Social Media Restrictions:
– Must include hashtag: #SISwim26 .
– Caption must include: “The issue is on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationally on May 26”
– No more than two photos may be used in addition to the cover.
– Watermark must be visible and shown in its entirety
– Must tag Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s handle:
– Twitter: @SI_Swimsuit
– Instagram: @si_swimsuit
– Facebook: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
COVER PHOTO CREDITS
Alix Earle: Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Hilary Duff: Kat Irlin/Sports Illustrated
Nicole Williams English: Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated
Tiffany Haddish: James Macari/Sports Illustrated
COVER FASHION CREDITS
Alix Earle
Swimsuit by Andi Bagus
Hilary Duff
Swimsuit by OYE Swimwear
Nicole Williams English
Swimsuit by SLATE SWIM
Tiffany Haddish
Swimsuit by SAME
Anything used online must link back to: swimsuit.si.com
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260512771740/en/
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