Top Ranked Sports Illustrated Models in 2025
The SI Swimsuit issue continues to feature high-profile models with strong social followings and brand deals. In 2025, the issue lists models such as Salma Hayek, Kate Bock, and others with multi-year contracts and appearances across digital and print campaigns. These models typically secure endorsement deals with apparel, swimwear, and luxury brands, generating income through modeling fees, social media posts, and brand partnerships. Forbes reports that top swimsuit models can earn six-figure annual incomes from campaigns and appearances, with additional revenue from licensing and personal branding.
Rankings are based on a combination of issue covers, social media reach, and brand partnership value. Models with larger Instagram and TikTok followings often command higher fees per post and secure more brand collaborations. According to data from industry sources, the most-followed models in the SI Swimsuit franchise regularly appear on lists of highest-paid influencers in the sports and lifestyle sectors. Their contracts often include appearances at corporate events, product launches, and marketing campaigns for major consumer brands.
Major Brands and Endorsement Deals
Many of the hottest Sports Illustrated models have endorsement deals with global apparel and luxury companies. Brands such as Sports Illustrated, which manages licensing and brand partnerships for the franchise, collaborate with models for campaigns that span swimwear, activewear, and accessories lines. These deals often include equity participation, royalties, and long-term ambassador roles. The SI Swimsuit brand also partners with retailers and e-commerce platforms to offer exclusive collections tied to the models featured in the issue.
Endorsement revenue is a core component of model income, with fees varying by follower count and engagement rates. Models with over 10 million followers on major platforms can earn between $50,000 and $250,000 per branded post, depending on the campaign scope and deliverables. Companies such as Instagram and TikTok provide analytics tools that brands use to evaluate reach and ROI before signing contracts. These platforms also serve as primary channels for the models to promote SI Swimsuit content and affiliated brand partnerships.
Career Trajectories and Business Ventures
Many Sports Illustrated models transition into entrepreneurship, launching swimwear lines, fitness programs, and lifestyle brands. Salma Hayek, for example, has expanded her career into production and brand ownership, while other models focus on content creation and digital media. These ventures often leverage the visibility gained from SI Swimsuit appearances to build personal brands that generate revenue beyond traditional modeling fees.
Business income for top models can exceed earnings from modeling alone, especially when they secure equity in startups or launch their own product lines. According to SEC filings and public company reports, some models have invested in direct-to-consumer brands and received advisory roles in companies focused on wellness and fashion. These investments are often structured as equity stakes or revenue-sharing agreements, providing long-term financial upside alongside short-term campaign income.
Comparison: Top SI Swimsuit Models by Key Metrics
| Model | Primary Platform Followers | Estimated Annual Endorsement Income | Key Brand Partnerships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salma Hayek | 10M+ | $1M+ | Luxury fashion, SI Swimsuit |
| Kate Bock | 5M+ | $500K+ | Swimwear, activewear brands |
| Other Top Models | 3M–10M | $250K–$750K | Apparel, fitness, lifestyle |