Cameron Brink, the Los Angeles Sparks forward recovering from an ACL injury, is drawing attention well before the anticipated 2026 WNBA season. Despite uncertainty around the season’s start and ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and players’ union, Brink is healthy and preparing for her third year in the league, while also making headlines off the court for her work in swimsuit modeling.
Brink’s Return to Form After Injury
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Cameron Brink missed much of the 2025 season recovering from a torn ACL. She returned to action in late July, contributing an average of 5.1 points per game for the Sparks. The Stanford alum is now fully fit and looking to build on her progress as she heads into the new season.
With league play in question, Brink has stayed active by competing in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league created by fellow WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in 2023. This has helped maintain her competitive edge ahead of the next full campaign.
Open to New Opportunities Beyond Basketball
Recently, Brink caught significant media attention when asked by TMZ if she would consider appearing in Playboy magazine. Her candid reply sparked conversation among fans and followers.
We’ll see … maybe. If my fiancé approves.
This playful response highlights Brink’s openness to exploring opportunities that extend beyond athletic performance, while also emphasizing the importance of her personal relationships in such decisions.
Empowerment Through the SI Swimsuit Experience
Prior to the Playboy inquiry, Brink had gained recognition for her inclusion in the 2025 Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit rookie class, an achievement that bolstered her public profile. Brink described her experience with SI Swimsuit as a powerful moment that helped her navigate complex feelings about body image as a female athlete.
I think it’s always really hard to be a woman in this world, but especially a female athlete,
Am I supposed to look more feminine? Am I supposed to look more athletic? What’s the balance? What do people think? My femininity—I hold that very close to my self-image, so it’s definitely gone back and forth. I think every female athlete’s had a really rough go with body image. But I’m definitely glad I’ve gotten to a really good place, and I’m able to do stuff like this with SI Swimsuit. It’s just very empowering, so I hope everyone can get to a point like this.
These remarks illustrate the challenges Brink and many female athletes face in balancing societal expectations and personal identity, while publicly embracing their multifaceted selves.
Anticipation Builds Around Brink’s Future Appearances
Photos from Brink’s SI Swimsuit rookie session have recently resurfaced on social media, reigniting interest in her off-court ventures. Although Sports Illustrated has not announced whether Brink will feature in their 2026 issue, a return would likely generate significant excitement within the WNBA community and beyond.
Broader Impact on WNBA and Female Athlete Representation
Cameron Brink’s visibility both on and off the basketball court underscores evolving perceptions of female athletes. As she continues to recover and engage in modeling projects, she challenges traditional boundaries and highlights the intersection of sports, media, and personal expression. Brink’s journey may inspire both fans and fellow athletes to embrace diverse identities and opportunities.
