She built her empire one “Get Ready With Me” video at a time. Now, Alix Earle is on the cover of one of the most iconic magazines in the world — and honestly, it feels inevitable.
Also Read: Biggest Social Media Stars Turned Mainstream Celebs in 2026
Table of Contents
The Cover That Stopped the Internet
The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue dropped this week, and Alix Earle is front and center. The announcement came with behind-the-scenes footage that was just as jaw-dropping as the final shots — because the entire shoot took place in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in January 2026, against one of the most breathtaking backdrops on Earth.
Elephants. Giraffes. Lions. Cheetahs. Zebras. And Alix Earle in a bikini at Stanley’s Camp and Baines’ Lodge near the Moremi Game Reserve. Yeah, the internet didn’t stand a chance.
Earle summed it up perfectly: “It was the best day of my life!”
Alix Earle: The Stats Behind the Star
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cover | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 |
| Shoot Location | Okavango Delta, Botswana |
| Shoot Date | January 2026 |
| Business Venture | Reale Actives (skincare & wellness brand) |
| Upcoming Project | Unscripted Netflix series (2026) |
| Rise to Fame | TikTok creator turned mainstream media figure |
Who Else Made the 2026 Issue?
This year’s edition is stacked. Joining Earle on the covers are singer Hilary Duff, comedian Tiffany Haddish, and model Nicole English. Former cover star Camille Kostek also returned — shot in the same Botswana location, which says a lot about how special the setting is.
The athlete lineup is equally impressive: gymnast Olivia Dunne, Olympian Ilona Maher, WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Sophie Cunningham, and sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden all feature, cementing this issue as a celebration of both sport and pop culture.
More Than a Model
What makes Earle’s cover moment hit differently is the trajectory behind it. She’s not just a social media personality who got lucky — she’s been deliberately building something real.
Her skincare and wellness brand Reale Actives has been gaining serious industry momentum. Her upcoming Netflix unscripted series is set to drop later this year. And after being spotted with Tom Brady during a New Year’s celebration in St. Barths — cue the speculation spiral — she’s only grown more visible in mainstream media.
The Sports Illustrated cover isn’t the peak. It’s a milestone on a much longer road.
Also Read: Top Beauty and Wellness Brands Founded by Influencers in 2026
FAQs
Q: Where was Alix Earle’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 shoot filmed?
A: The shoot took place at Stanley’s Camp and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in January 2026, surrounded by wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Q: What other projects does Alix Earle have in 2026 beyond the SI Swimsuit cover?
A: Earle is expanding her skincare brand Reale Actives and is set to star in an unscripted Netflix series expected to premiere later in 2026.
