Former “The Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethenny Frankel is baring it all for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Frankel, 55, took to Instagram to share a series of stunning photos from her beachside photo shoot in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Frankel’s inclusion in this year’s swimsuit issue marks her first time posing for the iconic publication. She joins a diverse lineup of standout women from all walks of life, including Olympian Ilona Maher, model Molly Sims, and Olivia Dunne, who is set to make her scripted TV debut on the Fox reboot “Baywatch.”
Bethenny Frankel Makes Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Debut
Bethenny Frankel, former RHONY star and businesswoman, is making waves as she makes her debut for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Frankel is among nine beautiful women chosen to model for this year’s swimsuit edition, with Frankel sharing several photos and highlights of her photoshoot on Instagram.
In one post, Frankel shared a video on location in Loreto, where she’s seen prepping for her photoshoot. The reality star models a range of swimsuits, including a stunning crochet one-piece and several bikinis, with her wavy hair flowing effortlessly in the wind as she poses in the water and lounges in the sand.
The clip highlights Frankel’s incredibly toned physique, as she playfully captioned it, “Does anyone have any water? Bc I am very thirsty today… #siswim2026” and used Britney Spears’ “Toxic” as her music choice.
Another post included a carousel of images from her time working with SI, including Frankel trying on a series of bathing suits before getting in front of the camera.
Clearly embracing her experience with SI, Frankel also shared what appears to be her cover shot for this year’s issue. In the image, she poses in a black-and-brown patterned bikini, flashing a playful smile to the camera.
Frankel Walked the Runway for Sports Illustrated in May 2025
GettyAlthough this marks Frankel’s rookie season with SI’s Swimsuit Issue, she’s worked with them before, having been asked to walk the SI Swimsuit Runway Show in May 2025.
Frankel was joined by several famous faces on the runway, including former “DWTS” contestant and Olympian Ilona Maher, “Vanderpump Rules” star Stassi Schroeder, influencer Alix Earle, and several seasoned models as they confidently walked the runway in bikinis.
Frankel modeled several pieces during the event, including a pink bikini with black polka dots, a leopard one-piece, and a denim-inspired bikini.
The businesswoman later shared a clip of all of her iconic runway moments, captioning it, “Whether you’re 18 or 98, everyone deserves to feel alive, happy, and free. Thank you @si_swimsuit.”
