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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit just revealed its most ambitious cover lineup yet. Alix Earle, Hilary Duff, Tiffany Haddish, and Nicole Williams English grace the 2026 issue, marking a historic moment for the iconic magazine. Four distinct covers celebrate diversity, star power, and the evolution of what swimsuit excellence means in today’s entertainment landscape.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Four Cover Stars: Alix Earle, Hilary Duff, Tiffany Haddish, Nicole Williams English unveiled today
- Issue Release: The 2026 SI Swimsuit issue arrived on May 12, 2026, featuring over 30 models
- Historic Moment: Hilary Duff and Tiffany Haddish make their SI Swimsuit cover debut
- Returning Star: Nicole Williams English returns after being named Rookie of the Year in 2023
A New Era of Celebrity Covers
Hilary Duff and Tiffany Haddish step into the SI Swimsuit limelight for the very first time. The versatile entertainer and comedian bring their unique star power to the 2026 cover, expanding the magazine’s reach beyond traditional modeling. Alix Earle returns to grace another cover, continuing her reign as a major force in the brand’s evolution.
Nicole Williams English rounds out the quartet as a regular in the magazine since becoming Rookie of the Year in 2023. The four-time brand star proves her staying power in an industry that constantly demands fresh faces and perspectives.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 features Alix Earle, Hilary Duff, Tiffany Haddish
Hilary Duff named 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model
What Sets This Issue Apart
The 2026 SI Swimsuit issue redefines expectations for what a swimsuit magazine can be. Rather than focusing on a single cover girl, the magazine embraced multiple perspectives, celebrating different backgrounds, ages, and career paths. Tiffany Haddish, a comedic force in entertainment, represents mainstream celebrity crossover appeal.
Hilary Duff brings her status as a beloved actress and cultural icon, while Alix Earle represents the rising generation of social media influence. This intentional diversity signals that SI Swimsuit is no longer just about supermodels.
Meet the Cover Models
| Cover Star | Background | Notable Achievement |
| Alix Earle | Social Media Star | Digital cover debut in June 2024 |
| Hilary Duff | Actress, Singer, Producer | SI Swimsuit cover debut 2026 |
| Tiffany Haddish | Comedian, Actress, Author | SI Swimsuit cover debut 2026 |
| Nicole Williams English | Model, Entrepreneur | Rookie of the Year 2023 |
The selection demonstrates SI Swimsuit’s commitment to celebrating women across industries. Each star brings her own narrative, achievement, and influence to the brand.
“Our four cover models redefine what you might expect from the SI Swimsuit issue.”
— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Editor’s Letter
The Broader Release and Featured Models
Beyond the four cover stars, the 2026 SI Swimsuit issue features more than 30 entertainers and athletes. The magazine expanded this year to celebrate diverse talent across multiple shoots. Athletes from the WNBA, track and field, and other sports joined traditional models in stunning locations worldwide.
Shoots in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Fort Myers, Florida, and Captiva Island provided backdrops for the expanded cast. The magazine maintained its tradition of combining stunning swimwear photography with compelling storytelling from women across different fields.
Why These Covers Matter for the Brand
The 2026 cover announcement signals a fundamental shift in how media celebrates women’s bodies and accomplishments. Rather than requiring women to be professional models, SI Swimsuit now opens its pages to actresses, comedians, athletes, and influencers. Tiffany Haddish and Hilary Duff represent mainstream entertainment as equals to professional models.
This evolution matters because it challenges the notion that only certain body types or career paths qualify for magazine covers. By featuring four women simultaneously, SI Swimsuit acknowledges that excellence comes in multiple forms. The move positions the magazine as culturally relevant for the 2026 era.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit – Official cover announcement and editor’s letter
- BusinessWire – Press release on 2026 cover models revealed May 12
- TODAY Show – Exclusive cover reveal with comprehensive model coverage
