Haley Kalil’s Comeback to Sports Illustrated

Haley Kalil is back in the spotlight, this time as a model for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The former scientist and popular content creator shared a behind‑the‑scenes video of herself wearing a stylish cutout one‑piece, filmed in the sunny town of Loreto, Baja California Sur. “I’m back baby! ” she exclaimed in a clip posted by SI Swimsuit, adding excitement to the announcement. The shoot featured a mix of returning and new faces: Haley joined Olivia Dunne, Hunter McGrady, Brooks Nader, Lauren Chan, Bethenny Frankel, Molly Sims and Jocelyn Corona. All were photographed by James Macari in a session that took place last December, just before Haley faced legal action from her ex‑husband.Matt Kalil, a former NFL player and Haley’s ex‑spouse, sued her in early 2025 after she discussed private aspects of their marriage on a Twitch livestream. He claimed the comments caused unwanted attention and hurt to his family. Haley’s defense, revealed in court papers last month, argued she never named him directly during the stream. The controversy highlighted how personal stories can quickly become public battles. Haley’s return to Sports Illustrated marks her first appearance since 2021, after a run that began with the magazine’s 2018 Swim Search. She was one of two co‑winners that year and appeared in four consecutive issues. Her comeback is part of a larger 2026 project that also introduces new talent, such as Meredith Mickelson, and showcases diverse locations like Botswana. The 2026 issue promises a blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives, underscoring the magazine’s commitment to evolving beauty standards while navigating the complex terrain of personal privacy and public expression.