The wait is officially over. On May 12, 2026, the world was introduced to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 cover models, a lineup that perfectly blends digital influence, Hollywood comedy, and high-fashion perseverance. This year’s quartet includes TikTok sensation Alix Earle, comedy powerhouse Tiffany Haddish, model and entrepreneur Nicole Williams English, and the multi-talented Hilary Duff.
For Alix Earle, the 2026 cover marks the pinnacle of a rapid ascent from “Get Ready With Me” videos to global mogul. Photographed by Ruven Afanador in the wildlife-rich expanses of Botswana, Earle’s shoot captures a sense of raw authenticity. Having previously graced a digital cover and appeared as a rookie, Earle’s 2026 print cover solidifies her transition from social media star to a definitive voice in modern fashion.
At 46, Tiffany Haddish is proving that joy and confidence have no expiration date. Making her brand debut, Haddish was photographed by James Macari in the sun-drenched peninsula of Loreto, Mexico. For Haddish, the cover is more than a professional milestone; it’s a tribute to her late grandmother, who was a swimsuit model decades ago. Her presence in the issue brings a “deeply human story rooted in honesty,” according to Editor in Chief MJ Day.
Nicole Williams English is the definition of the long game. Having modeled since her teenage years and famously announcing her pregnancy on the SI runway in 2022, she was named Rookie of the Year in 2023. Now, for the 2026 issue, she finally landed the cover she spent decades manifesting. Photographed by Ben Watts in Montauk, N.Y., her shoot celebrates a career built on resilience and self-belief.
The 2026 edition features 34 remarkable women, including stars like Paralympic athlete Ali Truwit and rugby icon Ilona Maher. The issue’s overarching theme focuses on “Individuality and Resilience,” showcasing women at various stages of their careers—from emerging creators to established legends like Hilary Duff, who also makes her debut on this year’s cover.
Fans can access the digital issue now, with the print magazine arriving on newsstands in select markets on May 14 and nationwide on May 26, 2026.
