WNBA Fans Lose It Over Napheesa Collier’s Feature In 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

The WNBA season already got off to a flying start with every superstar putting in extra efforts to gain control of the league early in the season. One megastar who is missing all the action is Napheesa Collier. Sadly, her injury news comes as a grim update for the Minnesota Lynx.

While the player was absent from the court action, she was part of Sports Illustrated’s latest issue with Sophie Cunningham. Fans commented on the athletes’ photos, showing some love for their favorite stars.

Fans React To Napheesa Collier’s Swimsuit Photoshoot

Ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, Sophie Cunningham and Collier made headlines for their swimsuit photoshoot for the Sports Illustrated magazine. Katherine Goguen photographed both stars on Captiva Island near Fort Myers, Florida.

The All-Star MVP modeled high-end designer swimwear from luxury brands including Pucci and Mikoh, styled by Margot Zamet. Collier projected both power and elegance, showcasing her resilience outside of her athletic uniform.

Napheesa Collier for Sports Illustrated (2026) pic.twitter.com/vK7am24NjK

— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) May 12, 2026

Fans react to the photoshoot, showing much appreciation for the players and also their bold looks on the beach.

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A fan wrote, “Young Janet Jackson vibes.”

Young Janet Jackson vibes

— Ozymandias (@Ozymandias818) May 13, 2026

One fam commented, “Queen Phee.”

Queen Phee

— Jeremy Graham (@jgraham70) May 13, 2026

Another fan said, “Such a graceful flow with a calm naturally elegant presence.”

Such a graceful flow with a calm naturally elegant presence

— 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝟯𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗫 (@shabbir360iz) May 13, 2026

One fan added, “Stunningggg.”

Stunningggg

— Chino Doll (@Bullyshyt) May 13, 2026

Another fan mentioned, “Mama Phee so Phine!!”

Mama Phee so Phine!! 🔥🔥🔥

— Tyrell Jordan (@tyweezy4sheezy) May 13, 2026

While the player sizzles on the beach, she also set the league ablaze with her cold yet fiery words about WNBA leadership during the CBA discussions. Now that the mega deal has been confirmed, the player reflected on her criticism.

Napheesa Collier Gives Her Honest Take On WNBA Criticism

While most of the WNBPA members were thrashing the league, the Lynx superstar took the first step, with her hard words in the exit interview.

Talking about the same, the 29-year-old said, “I think I just got to the point where I was fed up. Whether I was going to get annihilated for this or people were gonna support me, I felt like what I was doing was right. I felt like it needed to be said, so no matter the consequences, I felt like it was something that needed to be done.”

Phee on her “worst leadership in the world” criticism of Cathy:

“Thinking about the state of the world right now… that was a little dramatic… I’m still happy that I did it, and I think it had the intended effect of moving our negotiations along. I think an unintended… pic.twitter.com/G8m1Bc1Ofp

— Vanshay 🎥 NEW ACCOUNT (@mvanshay) May 6, 2026

The player also detailed the need for the Unrivaled league, despite the CBA confirmation and the extra earnings for players, in the same interview.