Being on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover can make stars

Landing the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover is the biggest break there is for an aspiring model.

Landing the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover is the biggest break there is for a model on the rise. 

Numerous women have parlayed their appearance on the cover into bigger and better opportunities, from fashion lines to television shows.

Kathy Ireland appeared in the issue 13 times, including three times on the cover, and has become a titan of the fashion industry. Christie Brinkley followed a similar path, launching her own skincare label.

Tyra Banks and Chrissy Teigen used modeling to transition into TV, with Banks hosting America’s Next Top Model and Teigen hosting Lip Sync Battle. 

Kate Upton, the 2017 cover model, has expanded into acting in movies.

Meet the ladies of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017!

U.S. Olympic Gymnast Aly Raisman

Ashley Graham

Barbara Palvin

Bianca Balti

Bo Krsmanovic

Alexa Ray Joel, Christie Brinkley and Sailor Brinkley Cook

Tennis pro Caroline Wozniacki

Chrissy Teigen

Danielle Herrington

Tennis pro Genie Bouchard

Hailey Clauson

Hannah Ferguson

Hannah Jeter

Kate Bock

Kate Upton

Kelly Gale

Lais Ribeiro

Mia Kang

Myla Dalbesio

Nina Agdal

Robyn Lawley

Rose Bertram

Samantha Hoopes

Tennis pro Serena Williams

U.S. Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles

Vita Sidorkina

In addition to the women featured here, 2016 cover model Ashley Graham saw her profile increase considerably after her cover appearance.