Camille Kostek, a former NFL cheerleader, has returned for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, marking her ninth consecutive year with the brand. The magazine's 2026 issue was shot over six months, spanning five locations, including Botswana. Kostec shared a behind-the-scenes video of her shoot on her Instagram Story. The models were transported to Stanley's Camp and Baines’ Lodge in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is home to 9,000 species of flora and fauna. This year's SI Swimsuit cover will be modeled by Meredith Mickelson, who will debut for the first time.