Cameron Brink may have been sidelined with an ACL injury this season, but let’s just say she’s found a way to keep making headlines—off the court. In a turn of events that could only be described as peak 2024, the LA Sparks’ rising star just landed the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition, joining the ranks of legends like Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe. As if her WNBA highlight reel wasn’t enough, now she’s taking her talents to the beach.
Yes, folks, dreams do come true. Brink, already the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is now officially a dual-threat—both on the hardwood and in haute couture.
“I’m Ready for My Close-Up, Sports Illustrated”
Let’s rewind a bit. Before Brink became an SI swimsuit model, she hinted at this very goal during her appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P” show back in May. When George asked about her dream modeling gigs, she didn’t hesitate. “Sports Illustrated swimsuit,” she said with a smile, as if it was just another box to check on her already stacked résumé.
Well, the universe listened. On Tuesday afternoon, Sports Illustrated officially announced that the LA Sparks forward would grace their famous swimsuit edition in 2025. Brink, never one to shy away from the spotlight, practically exploded with joy on social media, declaring it a “dream come true.” And really, can you blame her? Between rehabbing an ACL and taking over the modeling world, she’s proving there’s no such thing as “too much” multitasking.
Not Just Another Pretty Face in the Paint
Before her injury, Brink wasn’t just another face on the WNBA roster—she was dominating the court. Averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and an eye-popping 2.3 blocks per game in her rookie season, she quickly made herself known as a defensive menace. But just when it looked like she was gearing up for a breakout campaign, fate (and her ACL) had other plans.
Yet instead of disappearing into the rehab abyss like so many injured athletes, Brink found new ways to stay in the limelight. Whether it was signing an endorsement deal with New Balance or starring in the WNBA’s Skims campaign alongside Candace Parker and Kelsey Plum, she was determined to make headlines. And let’s be real: Cameron Brink landing a Sports Illustrated cover is about as surprising as the sky being blue. We all saw this coming.
From Stanford Champ to SI Queen
Even before Brink hit the pro ranks, she was already a name to watch. Coming out of Stanford, where she helped win a national championship, Brink’s transition to the WNBA was seamless. Well, at least until that pesky injury. But even while she was sidelined, her fashion game stayed strong. Whether she was attending red carpet events or just serving up style from the sidelines, Brink made sure no one forgot about her.
And now, adding Sports Illustrated to her ever-growing list of accomplishments? That’s just icing on the cake. After all, Brink isn’t just a basketball player—she’s a brand.
Brink’s Big Moment: “Empowering” or “Just an Excuse to Wear Bikinis?”
In true Cameron Brink fashion (pun absolutely intended), she didn’t shy away from the reason she wanted to be part of SI‘s swimsuit edition in the first place. “I think it’s super empowering,” she said in her interview with George. And if there’s one thing Brink loves, it’s empowerment. Whether she’s blocking shots or rocking a bikini, she’s here to break stereotypes and look fabulous while doing it.
As we head into 2025, one thing’s for sure: Cameron Brink’s star isn’t just rising—it’s skyrocketing. Whether she’s posing for Sports Illustrated or returning to the court post-injury, Brink is a force to be reckoned with, both in the paint and in the pages of fashion magazines.
So, who’s ready for the Cameron Brink era? Buckle up, because it’s about to get wild.
