ESPN Body Issue Outtakes Overview
The ESPN Body Issue is an annual editorial series that features professional athletes in artistic nude or semi-nude photography. The project began in 2009 and has since expanded to include multiple editions each year, often highlighting athletes from sports such as football, basketball, tennis, and track and field. The outtakes from these photo shoots are sometimes shared publicly or through behind-the-scenes features, offering a look at the selection process and unused images. The series is produced by ESPN The Magazine and its digital teams, with photography handled by contracted professionals. The primary goal is to celebrate athletic physiques and sports culture while generating engagement across ESPN platforms. For broader context on the magazine's history and editorial strategy, see ESPN The Magazine.
Outtakes from the ESPN Body Issue have occasionally been released in galleries or social media posts, providing fans with additional images beyond the final published layouts. These outtakes often show athletes in various poses, lighting setups, and wardrobe options that were not selected for the final issue. The frequency and format of these releases depend on ESPN's editorial calendar and partnerships with photographers and models. The series has featured athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international soccer leagues, with representation varying by edition. ESPN's parent company, Disney, oversees the brand's content strategy, which includes digital distribution through ESPN.com and the ESPN app. For financial data on Disney's media networks segment, which includes ESPN, see SEC Filing for Disney.
Athletes and Editions in the ESPN Body Issue
Participation and Representation
Each edition of the ESPN Body Issue typically features a curated roster of athletes, with the number of participants varying by year and sport. The selection process prioritizes a mix of established stars, rising prospects, and athletes from underrepresented sports. Female and male athletes have been featured in roughly equal measure in recent editions, with an emphasis on diversity in body types, ethnicities, and sports disciplines. The outtakes often include behind-the-scenes interviews that discuss training regimens, body image, and the athletes' comfort with the shoot. ESPN has also used the series to promote upcoming seasons and events, aligning the issue with key sports calendars such as the NFL preseason and the Olympics. For more on athlete endorsements and body image trends, see Forbes on Athlete Brands.
Notable Editions and Athletes
Notable editions of the ESPN Body Issue have included coverage of Olympic gymnasts, NFL linebackers, WNBA players, and professional swimmers. The 2019 edition, for example, featured a record number of female athletes and included athletes from the U.S. women's national soccer team. The outtakes from these editions often highlight the variety of body types and athletic disciplines, reinforcing ESPN's editorial focus on inclusivity. Some athletes have participated in multiple editions, becoming recurring figures in the series. The commercial performance of each edition is measured through newsstand sales, digital traffic, and social media engagement metrics. ESPN tracks these metrics to inform future content decisions and advertising partnerships. For financial details on ESPN's advertising revenue, see