Hailey Van Lith has been revealed as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover model Van Lith holds a $1.1M On3 NIL Valuation following

Hailey Van Lith has officially taken her star power to new heights. The dynamic basketball standout, known for her fiery competitiveness and smooth handles on the court, has now become a cultural icon off of it. Sports Illustrated revealed Van Lith as the digital cover model for its iconic Swimsuit Edition—an announcement that has rocked both the sports and fashion worlds.

More than just a stylish spread, this moment represents the growing intersection between athletic achievement, personal branding, and the business of college sports in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. Van Lith, who currently holds a $1.1 million On3 NIL Valuation, is proof that today’s student-athletes can dominate more than just the scoreboard—they can shape markets, influence culture, and command major attention in industries that once seemed far outside the boundaries of amateur sport.

From Court to Cover

Hailey Van Lith’s path to this groundbreaking moment has been anything but typical. A star guard originally out of Wenatchee, Washington, Van Lith first made waves at Louisville, where she led the Cardinals deep into NCAA Tournament runs. Her elite scoring ability, fierce attitude, and high basketball IQ made her a fan favorite and a top NIL earner almost as soon as the rules changed.

After transferring to LSU for the 2023-24 season, Van Lith joined an already loaded roster under head coach Kim Mulkey, teaming up with Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. The media spotlight was relentless, but Van Lith thrived in it. She brought not only skill and leadership, but also her growing brand. And now, her influence has transcended sports with her SI Swimsuit digital cover reveal.

Photographed in stunning fashion and with the poise of a seasoned model, Van Lith is seen confidently embracing the moment—proving that strength, athleticism, and beauty are not mutually exclusive. Her appearance in the Swimsuit Edition signals a broader trend: female athletes redefining what it means to be powerful, visible, and marketable in a new era.

NIL Powerhouse

Van Lith’s $1.1 million NIL valuation isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of her business savvy, magnetic personality, and wide-ranging appeal. She’s collaborated with brands like adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and various fashion and lifestyle companies. She’s active across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she shares workouts, fashion, and glimpses of her daily grind.

With NIL opportunities becoming increasingly competitive, Van Lith stands out not only because she’s a top-tier athlete, but because she understands how to build a brand. She’s the embodiment of the modern-day collegiate athlete—marketable, media-savvy, and multidimensional.

Her SI Swimsuit feature is only going to amplify that value. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has long been a platform that launches careers beyond sports and modeling. From Serena Williams to Naomi Osaka, the Swimsuit Edition has increasingly become a place where female athletes are celebrated not just for their achievements, but for their impact.

Redefining Representation

What makes Van Lith’s cover moment so meaningful isn’t just the glamor—it’s the statement. It’s a bold declaration that athletes can embrace every part of who they are without being boxed in by outdated stereotypes.

In her interview with Sports Illustrated, Van Lith opened up about embracing her femininity and her athleticism, saying, “I’ve always believed that being strong and being beautiful aren’t opposites—they’re complementary. I want young girls to know they can be tough, smart, successful, and still take pride in their appearance and identity.”

That message is resonating loudly across social media, where fans and fellow athletes have praised her not just for the cover, but for the example she’s setting. As women’s sports continue to rise in popularity and profitability, Van Lith’s SI appearance helps normalize the visibility—and marketability—of female athletes in spaces long dominated by traditional models and entertainers.

The Future is Now

With one foot firmly planted in the world of elite college basketball and the other striding into lifestyle and fashion, Hailey Van Lith is not just following a trend—she’s creating one.

She represents a new generation of student-athletes who can dominate on the court while building empires off of it. As NIL continues to reshape the college sports landscape, Van Lith’s career is a model in more ways than one: a playbook for how to lead with talent, authenticity, and unrelenting ambition.