The Internet Explodes As Cameron Brink Is Announced For Next ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue

Matt Fitzgerald·
CULTURESPORTS
·
Cameron Brink
@cameronbrink22

Caitlin Clark may be credited with single-handedly making the WNBA more relevant than it’s ever been, but don’t sleep on Cameron Brink. The former Stanford standout was drafted second overall just after Clark this year, and made a decent impact for the Los Angeles Sparks as an immediate starter.

Unfortunately, a torn ACL cut Brink’s pro rookie campaign short, but that isn’t stopping her from capitalizing on her off-court opportunities. Sports Illustrated announced on Tuesday that Brink will be in the lineup for the magazine’s annual swimsuit issue.

…And here was the photo SI used to showcase a bikini-clad Brink, offering readers a preview of what they can expect in 2025.

As Kendra Middleton foresaw, there are indeed a lot of reactions to Brink’s reveal as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. And you know what? In a funny twist, my Internet went out for a bit today due to high winds in the area. Coincidence? I think not (I think it was).

https://twitter.com/ScaryMaryx/status/1856384436100837732

Even as she rehabs from a devastating injury, between the photo SI showed off and Brink’s own Instagram post below, she has quite the proof of concept that this shoot is going to go swimmingly.

If you can pull off a bikini while posting up on a stick that helps you walk in the aftermath of a blown-out knee, you just might have a future in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In fact, just look anywhere on Brink’s social media and you’ll see that she’s very much fashion-forward. Seems like a logical next step to be given the invitation to SI‘s scantily-dressed shindig of sorts.

Sports Illustrated nearly lost its physical form earlier this year until Minute Media landed the publishing rights. If nothing else, the magazine can always count on the Swimsuit Issue to drive purchases and maybe even subscribers.

Not sure how often folks spring for magazines nowadays. About the only time I’ll browse a rack of mags is at the airport, and even then, unless it’s some deep-dive preview on a major sports league like the NFL, it’s rare I’ll buy one. But anyway, not trying to downplay how big of a deal this is for Brink or anyone to make the swimsuit edition. It’s a yearly tradition for a reason — and you better believe Brink is going to drive considerable sales on her own.

Brink landing the gig at SI is a massive win for tall women everywhere as well. She’s 6-foot-4, clearly proud of it, and many across America are mesmerized.

The more macro implications of Brink capitalizing on deals like this is it sets her up to build her personal brand, and brings even more exposure to the league she plays in. Between Brink, Clark, and the polarizing Angel Reese, the 2024 WNBA rookie class alone has added so much intrigue to the league. Fun fact, too: Reese posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue back in 2023 while she was still at LSU.

Yes, there are several established WNBA superstars like reigning unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson who deserve respect, yet I didn’t see anyone move the needle quite like Brink, Reese, and Clark have. Brink’s move to pose for Sports Illustrated only further cements that notion.

Congrats to Cameron Brink. Sounds like most of the Internet is ready to see her strut her stuff. May be a bit of a wait, however, as the 2024 swimsuit mag came out in May.

PS, sorry fellas, but Brink is engaged to Stanford rower Ben Felter.

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