WNBA Stars Take the Spotlight in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: More Than Just Athletes, They’re Icons of Change

I. Introduction: When the Court Isn’t the Only Stage

On May 19, 2022, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue officially dropped, but this edition didn’t just celebrate beauty — it shattered boundaries. Five powerhouse women of the WNBA — Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, Te’a Cooper, and DiDi Richards — stunned the world as they posed in sleek black swimsuits against the tropical backdrop of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These women are not just elite athletes — they are symbols of power, activism, and representation.

This shoot wasn’t just about glamour. It was about representation, empowerment, and pushing forward a new era where female athletes don’t have to choose between strength and sensuality.

II. The Setting: St. Thomas and the Campaign’s Message

The choice of St. Thomas, a breathtaking tropical location, was intentional — it symbolized beauty, resilience, and strength. The SI Swimsuit 2022 campaign was part of a broader initiative called “Pay With Change”, which pledged to feature brands and individuals actively working toward gender equity and female empowerment.

Editor-in-Chief MJ Day praised the WNBA athletes, calling them a “group of badass women” who fully embodied the spirit of the new initiative. “These women represent everything we hope to showcase: resilience, intelligence, physical power, and unapologetic confidence,” she said.

III. The Icons: Five Women, Five Stories

1. Sue Bird

A living legend of women’s basketball, Sue Bird retired in 2022 after an incredible 21-year career with the Seattle Storm. She racked up four WNBA titles, five Olympic gold medals, and 12 All-Star selections. Bird’s reputation as a leader on and off the court is untouchable.

For Bird, the shoot was not only symbolic but personal:

“This was never on my radar as an athlete,” she shared. “But to be part of a group shoot with women who I respect and love — that made it comfortable and powerful.”

Bird also emphasized that the shoot reflected the values of the WNBA:

“We represent diversity — women, women of color, the LGBTQIA2+ community… The WNBA is all of that.”

2. Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart, Bird’s longtime teammate with the Storm and one of the most dominant forwards in WNBA history, is no stranger to attention. A two-time WNBA champion, WNBA MVP, and four-time NCAA champion, Stewart is also a vocal LGBTQ+ advocate and a new mom.

In 2021, shortly after winning Olympic gold in Tokyo, Stewart and her wife welcomed their daughter through surrogacy — a life chapter she calls “transformative.”

“The WNBA has always led the way in social issues,” she said. “We keep fighting for more because we deserve more — and we’re not stopping.”

3. Nneka Ogwumike

As a former WNBA MVP and current president of the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association), Nneka Ogwumike brings advocacy to the forefront. She helped negotiate the groundbreaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement, securing better pay, maternity leave, and support for players.

Ogwumike radiated elegance and strength during the shoot.

“I love the different shapes, the different shades, the different energies — and how we all bring them together,” she said. “This is about more than looking good. It’s about owning who we are.”

4. Te’a Cooper

Former guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, Te’a Cooper was one of the youngest to participate in the shoot — but her energy and presence were undeniable. Cooper is known for her bold fashion, social media influence, and activism.

“They say you’re either an athlete or a model. I’m both now — and I’m doing it with women who inspire me,” she said.

She’s been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and encourages her fans to embrace confidence unapologetically.

5. DiDi Richards

A rising star with the New York Liberty, DiDi Richards stood out with her fearless look and magnetic charm. Once named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, she’s admired for her style, humor, and resilience.

Richards shared that she grew up dreaming of one day being in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

“This is surreal. I used to see those covers and think, ‘Maybe one day…’ And now it’s real.”

IV. The Photos: Bold, Black, and Unapologetic

The group posed in sleek, modern black swimsuits — ranging from one-piece cutouts to high-fashion mesh bikinis. The black tones symbolized unity, strength, and boldness. Each athlete had a solo shoot and a group feature, showcasing both their individuality and collective presence.

Their poses were confident, their gazes direct. Nothing about the shoot was passive or traditionally “feminine” — it was strong, striking, and self-owned.

“We didn’t pose to be ‘sexy’ for someone else. We posed because we feel powerful, comfortable, and in control,” said Stewart.

V. Reactions: Social Media and Beyond

When the images dropped on SI’s Instagram and website, the internet erupted:

Fans called it historic, stunning, and groundbreaking.

Twitter lit up with comments like:

“Sue Bird is redefining greatness.”

“Stewart low-key GORGEOUS.”

“WNBA stays winning. We love to see it.”

Others noted the deeper meaning:

“These aren’t just pretty pictures. This is what it looks like when women own their bodies, their image, and their power.”

VI. The Cultural Shift: Not Just Photos — A Statement

1. The Evolution of SI Swimsuit

Historically, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit centered on beauty and appeal. In recent years, it has shifted toward inclusion, activism, and representation. From featuring Naomi Osaka to plus-size models to this groundbreaking WNBA feature, the magazine is evolving with its audience.

The 2022 WNBA shoot isn’t just a moment — it’s a marker of change.

2. WNBA: From Sports to Social Impact

The WNBA has long been at the forefront of social justice — from kneeling for George Floyd, to wearing Breonna Taylor’s name on jerseys, to fighting for equal pay. The league has become a model for what athlete activism looks like.

“We’re more than athletes,” said Ogwumike. “We are change-makers, leaders, and role models.”

3. Inspiration for the Next Generation

Richards’ story — from childhood dreams to SI feature — resonates with millions of young girls. Meanwhile, Cooper’s boldness and Stewart’s multifaceted life show that strength comes in many forms.

Each woman in the shoot sends a message:
You can be an athlete and a model. A leader and a fighter. Soft and strong. Sexy and serious.

VII. Final Thoughts: The Game Has Changed

This wasn’t just a photoshoot. It was a cultural milestone.

It signaled a new age where female athletes control their narrative.

It pushed Sports Illustrated further into progressive territory.

It gave the WNBA a global spotlight outside the court.

In an age where media images shape how young people see themselves, these five women proved that beauty, power, and purpose are not mutually exclusive — they’re most impactful when combined.