Three Black WNBA players understood the assignment! Free-agent Te’a Cooper, the Los Angeles Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike, and New York Liberty star DiDi Richards snapped during their photoshoot for this year’s coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The publication celebrated diversity, inclusion, and social change.
Cooper, Ogwumike, and Richards momentarily swapped their jerseys for sexy swimsuits and posed in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands, along with Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird.
Last week, the magazine posted photos of the WNBA ladies, announcing that the issue would hit the stands on May 19.
“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,” editor MJ Daily said.
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Cooper was definitely not shy when striking a pose in two different v-line one-piece swimsuits. She even shared a little BTS video of her photoshoot looking stunning.
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Ogwumike modeled a double cross strap swimsuit in the group photo and then rocked a sexy black two-piece in her solo photos.
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And Richards slew with a black two-piece, with a long-sleeved mesh bikini top. Along with other ones, she posted on Instagram a behind-the-scenes look at the different swimwear she modeled in.
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In an interview with the magazine, Richards talked about how she told her mom that she’d be in it one day and how those dreams were made true her first year in the WNBA.
“It’s been a dream my entire life, so it’s crazy to be featured, especially after my first year in the WNBA, and to be a part with the other players,” she said. “It was very humbling. My emotions were all over the place. I was like, ‘Am I even supposed to be here?’”
Even though her career is centered around the courts, Richards said that the WNBA players are encouraged to pursue interests off the courts.
