Sports Illustrated

Naomi Osaka is now in the company of Tyra Banks, Beyoncé and Kate Upton -- the tennis superstar is the newest S.I. Swimsuit cover model!!

The publication made the huge announcement Monday morning ... revealing the 23-year-old would be joining rap star Megan Thee Stallion and transgender actress/model/activist Leyna Bloom as a cover model for the 2021 issue.

The decision was easy for S.I. -- Osaka is no stranger to the suit game (she has her own collection with Frankies Bikinis) ... and is one of the biggest names in sports.

Osaka also made headlines this year by advocating for mental health awareness for athletes ... famously pulling out of the French Open and Wimbledon after revealing her struggles with depression.

The current #2-ranked female player in the world is now set to compete in front of her hometown fans at the Tokyo Olympics this month ... where she's a favorite to take home the gold medal.

S.I. Swim editor MJ Day spoke about the magazine's cover models ... saying, "If there's one thing that our cover models have in common, it's that they don't have one thing in common."

"They look different, have different upbringings, have different passions and inspirations. But each is a reminder that beauty comes in many forms."

"We celebrate Naomi for her passion, strength and power geared toward consistently breaking barriers when it comes to equality, social justice and mental health."

The other two models are also making history -- Meg is the first rapper to be featured on the cover, while Bloom is the first transgender model to get the honors.

The issue also includes several sports WAGs like Olivia Culpo, Camille Kostek, Kate Bock, Kristen Louelle and Christen Harper ... as well as other S.I. vets like Brooks Nader, Jasmine Sanders, Danielle Herrington and Josephine Skriver!!

Oh, and if that's not enough ... singer Tinashe is also in the mag!!

Jared Goff's girlfriend Christen Harper is trying to take her modeling career to the next level by auditioning for the S.I. Swimsuit Edition ... and yeah, HIRE HER!!

Harper has been a model/actress for a while -- but she's been on a mission to follow the Camille Kostek blueprint to success.

Of course, Gronk's girlfriend -- a former New England Patriots cheerleader -- got a massive career boost when S.I. selected her for the Swimsuit Edition back in 2018. Her career is on fire!

Enter Harper, who's been dating L.A. Rams QB Jared Goff for a while -- and it's clear she thinks she could be the next big S.I. breakout star.

And, judging from her audition video, SHE'S RIGHT!

"I am SO excited to finally go after one of my wildest dreams," Harper said.

"[S.I. Swimsuit] has meant so much more than a magazine to me, it gave me the confidence to embrace who I am and ultimately chase my dreams."

Harper says multiple agencies told her she wouldn't be successful unless she could "just lose a few inches off my waist and that I wouldn’t be taken seriously outside of L.A. because of the size of my chest."

But "instead of shrinking myself down into an unrealistic standard for my own body, I chose to have faith that I was enough."

She ended with this message to the S.I., team -- "LET'S DO THIS!"

Kate Upton, Olivia Culpo ... and now Reagan Howard?!

Alex Bregman's fiancee is hoping to follow in the footsteps of legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models ... announcing Monday she's officially gunning to be in the 2021 SI Swim mag!

Howard just entered the publication's annual search for undiscovered models ... saying she's been "dreaming" of being in the mag ever since she saw Bar Refaeli on a cover years ago.

"I started modeling when I was about 17 years old and faced a ton of rejection for the size of my body," said Howard, who got engaged to the Houston Astros' star 3rd baseman back in January.

"I would love to be on SI because I believe in the brand and I believe in what it represents," Howard added. "And, you guys empower women from all over the place to be as they are and to be multi-dimensional. Which I absolutely love."

Howard went on to say that she's personally inspired by Camille Kostek ... who gained SI Swim fame after being discovered in the mag's 2018 open casting call.

"Here’s to breaking molds and being you," Howard said, "no matter how many different things that may be."

Of course, another famous WAG -- Matt Kalil's wife, Haley Kalil -- also got her SI Swim breakthrough in the brand's 2019 open audition as well.

Could Howard be next? Winners won't be announced for months ... but the resume sure looks bulletproof to us!

Golden Barbie has found a Ken!!

2020 S.I. Swimsuit cover model Jasmine Sanders is dating celebrity trainer Anthony Rhoades ... and it's so real, he got her name tatted on him!!

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ Sports ... the two initially met through mutual friends in Miami ... and recently decided to take things to the next level.

We're told Sanders and Rhoades have been "officially" together since early 2020.

Rhoades -- who trains huge names like Rick Ross, Evander Holyfield and J. Balvin -- threw his girl a surprise private dinner at Kiki on the River in Miami on Tuesday ... complete with a MASSIVE cake and cut-out of her S.I. cover!!

The couple was joined by friends David and Isabella Grutman ... as well as Aris Nanos, one of the restaurant's owners.

As for the fresh ink, Anthony decided to commemorate his girl's big night by getting "Jasmine" tattooed on the side of his hand!!

As we previously reported, Sanders actually has TWO covers this year -- one by herself and another including fellow S.I. vets Olivia Culpo and Kate Bock ... so yeah, it's a big deal.

Rhoades congratulated Sanders on the accomplishment ... saying, "You set an amazing example for young women all over the world."

"I’m beyond proud of you babe. I know how much this means to you and what it represents on a deeper level. Keep being the brightest star in the sky... this world needs guidance."

"You’ve earned every bit of this."

Business in the front, NOTHING in the back!!

SI Swimsuit model Haley Kalil -- wife of NFL offensive tackle Matt Kalil -- came up with a way to follow her mom's "no bikini" rule and still show some skin at the same time:

One-sided one-piece suit!!! ... and if you've never heard of the term, it's exactly what you think it is.

"MOM IT’S TECHNICALLY A ONE PIECE 😂😎😂," Haley said of the suit choice.

Of course, the model was kidding about the whole "no bikini rule" ... considering she's been spotted in the Sports Illustrated shoots for the past 2 years.

This shoot went down in the British Virgin Islands ... with Kalil sporting the fully-there front with some floss-thin strings holding everything together in the back.

The 2020 edition of the mag -- with cover models Kate Bock, Olivia Culpo and Jasmine Sanders -- just hit shelves on Tuesday ... and Haley's shoot in the epic suit is featured in it.

So, don't worry, mom!! Still following the rules.

If you're wondering why Olivia Culpo, Kate Bock and Jasmine Sanders are all up on each other with no masks on the cover of the new SI Swimsuit Edition ... there's a good reason.

IT WAS SHOT BEFORE THE COVID LOCKDOWNS!

The mag wrapped up its final shoot in on March 5 -- roughly 2 weeks before Los Angeles issued its stay-at-home order due to the pandemic. Things obviously escalated around the country after that.

The three ladies -- who are all repped by The Society Management -- wrapped up their Bali shoot back in November ... well before the pandemic came into play in the U.S.

So, yeah ... no masks and no social distancing on the SI cover -- but also, NO COMPLAINTS!

Of course, the models are no strangers to TMZ Sports ...

Culpo has been dating Carolina Panthers superstar Christian McCaffrey for more than a year and documenting every step of the way -- (see: here).

Bock's longtime BF is Cleveland Cavs' star, Kevin Love ... who together (with their adorable pup, Vestry) have provided incredible content on vacays all over the globe -- (see: here).

As for Sanders, she's been spotted hitting LA with NBA hunk Kelly Oubre, Jr. ... but even when she's alone, she's brought the heat on her social media -- (see: here).

MJ Day, editor in chief of SI Swim spoke on the decision to go with the 3 women ... saying it was their business endeavors outside of modeling that made them a perfect fit.

"These women are limitless, unstoppable and collectively represent the next wave of moguls to come out of the franchise."

The issue -- which hits shelves on July 21 -- will feature 4 different covers ... one with all 3 models ... and 3 other versions featuring each model by herself.

Congrats!!

Here's Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jasmine Sanders helping us ring in Thanksgiving ... with her butt.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

The 28-year-old model was actually born in Germany, but she was raised in South Carolina and therefore has a deep, deep appreciation for Turkey Day.

So, to celebrate, Jasmine posted this video taking a shower at some rock formation somewhere in a thong bikini ... with the caption, "What’s on your Thanksgiving menu?"

And, THAT is the Thanksgiving connection here.

Oh, you want a sports connection, too? How about this ...

Sanders was recently connected to Phoenix Suns star Kelly Oubre Jr. -- they were holding hands on the way out of Bootsy Bellows nightclub in L.A. back in August.

Kelly said the two never developed into a full-fledged relationship ... which is absolutely RIDICULOUS ... but whatever bro, it's your life. Do you.

As for Jasmine -- the 2019 S.I. Swimsuit Edition Rookie of the Year -- thanks for the yams.

LeBron James graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in 2002 ... and if your bank account's big enough, you can own the jersey he rocked when he was introduced to the world.

Bron was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary HS in Akron, Ohio in '02 -- and the top-ranked player in his class -- when SI sent a writer and photographer to profile the future king.

The magazine -- featuring LBJ on the cover in his #23 gold mesh jersey titled with the words, THE CHOSEN ONE -- was released on February 18, 2002 ... when LeBron was 17 years old.

Now, the jersey James donned on the cover (he also wore the jersey for the majority of his junior season where he averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists a game) is on the block at Goldin Auctions.

Ken Goldin tells us he expects the jersey -- which was given by LeBron to a long-time friend who held onto it 'til now -- could sell for mid-six figures (think 300k, 400k, $500k+).

Since the SI story, Bron's become arguably the greatest hooper of all-time -- racking up 3 NBA Titles, 3 Finals MVP's, 4 NBA MVP's and 15 All-Star nods -- and one of the most famous people on Earth.

The jersey King James wore when America first laid eyes on him can be yours ... if you're rich enough.

Bidding goes 'til October 19. Good luck.

NBA hooper Kelly Oubre Jr. and smokin' hot Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jasmine Sanders are taking things to the next level ... hitting up a West Hollywood hot spot together and packin' on the PDA!!

There have been reports the 2 gorgeous humans have been dating recently ... and judging by these pics of them holding hands while leaving Bootsy Bellows, it's safe to say they don't care to keep things under wraps.

It's one of the hottest new couples as of late -- 23-year-old Oubre is one of the swaggiest athletes in all of sports ... and 28-year-old Sanders was voted SI's Rookie of the Year earlier this month.

No word on how they met, but considering the Phoenix Suns baller is big into fashion ... it seems like a perfect fit to get boo'd up with the model.

And, FWIW ... Oubre just signed a 2-year, $30 million deal a month ago ... so yeah, it's been a good off-season for the guy.

The Wimbledon L clearly ain't affecting Serena Williams ... the tennis legend was out partying in Hollywood on Thursday -- and she looked GREAT!!!!

The 37-year-old superstar hit up Sunset Room for the Sports Illustrated Fashionable 50 party -- you know, the one where they honor the 50 hottest athletes in the world -- and Serena killed it.

Obviously, some thought a rough loss to Simona Halep on Saturday might hamper her style ... but, clearly, there ain't no hangover here!!

Other celebs crushed it too ... Michelle Wie, Errol Spence Jr., Ben Simmons, DeAndre Jordan and Chloe Kim all rocked fancy duds.

Also, NBA stud Kelly Oubre Jr. showed up in this.

Lindsey Vonn and her hockey-playing BF, P.K. Subban, were also there -- and they've sure been getting close lately.

Rob Gronkowski's girlfriend, Camille Kostek, is this year's 'Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Edition' cover girl, but when her fellow models show up to flaunt their stuff ... we all win.

Camille led the pack Sunday in Miami, where she strutted down the catwalk for the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show for Swim Week. CK wore an incredible two-piece that made her look like a Greek goddess ... easy to see why Gronk's into her.

There were lots and LOTS of other models and swimsuit designs (if you're into that sorta thing) to take in -- Jasmine Sanders showed off a leopard print one-piece that showed off her toned figure. 

Some other honorable mentions included Ashley Alexiss, Clarissa Bowers, Halima Aden, Hyunjoo Hwang, Katina Taylor, Tanaye White, Robin Holzken and Brooks Nader ... who all stunned in their respective swimwear choices. 

Tyra Banks wants to make dairy her cash cow ... and it looks like she has plans to turn a sweet profit off of her favorite cheat meal, with the help of her famous catchphrase.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the supermodel applied for the trademark "Smize Cream," which she wants to slap on a new brand of ice cream.

The docs don't lay out the specifics of Tyra's dip into the world of delicious desserts, other than the name ... but it sounds tasty.

Tyra's own ice cream actually makes sense ... she coined the term "smize" -- as in, smile with your eyes -- and the 45-year-old has been candid about body image in connection with her recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover, saying people shouldn't feel guilty about occasionally indulging in ice cream.

No word if Tyra plans to fire up a "Smize Cream" truck this summer, but we can dream.

Camille Kostek is having a pretty great 2019 -- she's officially a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl now ... and she lost her mind when she found out!

The former New England Patriots cheerleader -- who's also dating Rob Gronkowski -- was informed about the cover by the editor, MJ Day ... and immediately began bawling!

It's actually a really cool, raw moment.

Kostek first started working with SI back in 2017 -- and she's always talked about how modeling for the mag was a career goal. Congrats on the cover!!!

There are three versions of the SI Swimsuit Edition cover -- the other two feature Tyra Banks and soccer superstar Alex Morgan.

SI has also said the 2019 edition will feature other major female athletes including UFC star Paige VanZant.

As for Kostek, she just wrapped up a big weekend in Vegas celebrating Gronk's retirement from the NFL ... where the two danced their faces off and smashed cake by a Vegas pool.

Pamela Anderson and her mom have mastered the art of looking like A MILLION BUCKS while raising a TON O' CASH ... all for an incredible cause.

The "Baywatch" star was front and center in Vancouver where she hosted a charity auction benefiting the Pamela Anderson Foundation. She also had a very sweet date in tow ... her mom, Carol. The gals dressed to the nines for the special event.

We're told tons of cool items were auctioned off ... including signed jerseys from futbol stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. No doubt those items hauled in a couple of sweet checks but gotta hand it to fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco, whose career highlights includes shooting Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers.

Mazzucco donated a piece dubbed "Beauty and Light." Pam couldn't resist posing next to it for a pic. But, we know why she's REALLY grinning ear-to-ear -- the piece fetched a whopping $30k!!!

BTW ... the Pamela Anderson Foundation supports organizations that protect human, animal and environmental rights. The foundation's been at it for 20 years. #KeepGrindingPam

UFC star Paige VanZant says she fell in love with herself all over again ... and it's all 'cause she's a super sexy bikini model now!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with PVZ about what it was like to get picked for this year's S.I. Swimsuit Edition ... and she says it was a major, much-needed confidence boost.

"Even being in the UFC, I've always have had those body insecurities," Paige tells us.

"After the shoot, seeing all the pictures, seeing the way they look and the reaction I'm getting ... I have been like feelin' myself lately!"

Not everyone is happy with the results though ... just ask her husband, Austin Vanderford.

"My husband is getting really sick of it, 'cause I love myself a little bit TOO much right now," Paige joked.

PVZ says the shoot was an incredible experience ... and despite having to make a few adjustments to make it easier on her broken arm, she's thrilled with the results.

Check out the clip ... Paige says she was totally comfortable hangin' out in her bikini with a crew following her around ... but what happened when she came face-to-face with a yacht full of tourists???

Check out the vid ... and check out the issue when it drops in May!!!

Camille Kostek won't be hard to spot in Mexico this weekend ... 'cause Rob Gronkowski's insanely attractive girlfriend is rockin' a neon yellow bikini ... and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

The NFL superstar and S.I. Swimsuit model are hangin' in Cabo San Lucas with friends Eric and Jessie James Decker ... and although it's only been a short time, there's already tons of heat.

Camille posted a pic of her bikini of choice -- it's highlighter yellow and brilliant --- and this time around, Gronk got his own matching trunks!!

Of course, the couple is known for posting sexy pics together wherever they go -- who can forget their awesome trip to Jamaica last year for Camille's birthday?!

It's great to see the couple keeping their tradition alive in Cabo ... and (fingers crossed) we'll get a shot of the foursome together here soon.

Gronk is coming off a Super Bowl win and Camille will be in the next SI Swim issue dropping in May ... so it's tough to argue against these 2 being the hottest couple out there right now.