Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveiled four cover stars for its highly anticipated 2026 issue on Tuesday, May 12, announcing the selection live on the NBC TODAY show. The four women chosen to grace the covers this year are actress and recording artist Hilary Duff, social media influencer Alix Earle, stand-up comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, and model and entrepreneur Nicole Williams English — a group that reflects the publication's continued commitment to celebrating diverse talent and achievement.
Hilary Duff, widely regarded as a millennial icon for her work in television, film, and music, marks her debut appearance with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Duff is also a New York Times bestselling author, adding literary accomplishment to an already wide-ranging career. Her inclusion on the 2026 cover signals the magazine's recognition of enduring cultural influence that spans multiple generations and entertainment platforms.
Alix Earle, one of social media's most recognizable personalities, makes her third appearance associated with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit but claims her first ever in-print cover. Her shoot for the 2026 issue was conducted in Botswana and photographed by renowned photographer Ruven Afanador. The collaboration underscores how digital creators have become central figures in mainstream media and fashion publications.
Tiffany Haddish, who first rose to widespread fame with her breakout performance in the 2017 film Girls Trip, adds a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover to an already impressive list of professional accomplishments. Known for her sharp humor and electric stage presence, Haddish has built a career that spans stand-up comedy, acting, and advocacy. Her selection reflects the publication's ongoing effort to spotlight women who push boundaries in entertainment.
Nicole Williams English, a model, mother, and entrepreneur, has been part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family since her landmark 2022 pregnancy announcement in the magazine, which earned her the Rookie of the Year distinction. For the 2026 issue, she was photographed in Montauk, New York, by photographer Ben Watts. At 41 years old, Williams English continues to challenge conventional notions of age and beauty in the modeling industry.
This year's magazine features a total of 34 standout individuals across its pages, making it one of the most inclusive editions in the publication's history. Print copies of the 2026 issue will be available beginning May 14 in select markets, with national distribution following on May 26. The full digital edition is accessible at swimsuit.si.com, where readers can explore behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and photography from the various shoot locations around the world.
Comments