Seattle Storm Stars Featured In SI Swimsuit Issue

SEATTLE, WA —Seattle Storm stars Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart are among five WNBA players who will be featured in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit issue, which is expected to hit newsstands on May 19.

On Monday, SI released the photos of the five players clad in black swimsuits. The group also includes Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks), Te'a Cooper (recently released by the Los Angeles Sparks) and DiDi Richards (New York Liberty).

An accompanying video shows scenes from the photoshoot that took place in St. Thomas.

"This is who we are; this is the makeup of our league," Bird told SI.com. "We represent a variety of things: of course women, women of color, members of the LGBTQIA2+ community and much more."

Bird continued: "The (Swimsuit) issue for so many years has been iconic and has represented a lot for women. Now you are seeing an evolution in what that can mean and what that can look like, and I think the WNBA players being a part of that is what makes it special. There is no better group of women to showcase that evolution."

In the video taken during the photoshoot, Bird said she felt empowered by the experience.

"I think everyone in their own way was made to feel super amazing about themselves," Bird said.

Bird also pointed out that her fiancé Megan Rapinoe, the OL Reign and US Soccer star, previously appeared in the SI Swimsuit edition.

In its promotion of the issue, SI celebrated the WNBA's recent high-profile advocacy of racial justice, human rights, and mental health issues.

"These players not only dominate on the court but are tirelessly leading the charge in speaking out on social justice issues — fighting for racial justice and equality and working together to create sustainable change," said MJ Day, editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

On SI.com, Stewart said she feels particularly compelled to be a leader on social issues now that she is a mother. She and wife Marta Xargay, a former WNBA player, welcomed their daughter Ruby last summer, just days after Stewart won an Olympic gold medal.

"I want to be the best role model I can for Ruby," Stewart said. "I want her to see the impact women play in society—in sports and outside of sports."

The Storm are 1-1 on the young season. They opened the campaign Friday with a 97-74 win over the Minnesota Lynx in the first WNBA regular-season game at Climate Pledge Arena, before losing 85-74 to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.