Fans are delighted after Brittany Mahomes was announced as the new Illustrated sports swimsuit “Novato” for the next 60th anniversary edition.
On February 8, the publication posted a sneak peek of the 28-year-old's post on Instagram, noting that this is her first article in the magazine. Mahomes posed in a series of red swimsuits, a nod to her position as owner of the Kansas City Current NWSL and the Kansas City Chiefs, her husband's soccer team.
“Brittany Mahomes is your new 2024 Sports Illustrated Newbie in a swimsuit,” the legend said. “Owner of the Kansas City Current NWSL team, former professional athlete, wife and mother, Brittany emerges as the epitome of a modern powerhouse.”
“Founder of the world's first stadium dedicated to women's sports, Brittany's journey has exceeded all expectations, inspiring others with her tenacity and unwavering determination,” they continued. “We are proud to welcome the YEAH Swimsuit family where she will undoubtedly continue to empower women around the world.”
The choice to star Mahomes seems fitting now that Patrick and the Kansas City Chiefs are also headed to Super Bowl LVIII on February 11.
The Mahomes shoot took place on a sandy beach in Belize and was filmed by filmmaker Derek Kettela, a regular at the publication.
In the comments section of Sports Illustrated Following the swimsuit's release, enamored viewers congratulated the NFL star's wife.
Kristin Juszczyk, married to soccer icon Kyle Juszczyk, wrote: “Are you kidding?! I love seeing you shine!!
“I love it!!! She's not just a 'soccer wife'. She's a queen making her name known and empowering girls around the world,” said another kind fan.
A third proclaimed: “Glad to see the support. “You are setting a great example for your children that you continue to build your own brand and have your own accomplishments that you can be proud of, regardless of your husband.”
However, among the displays of love there was a community of followers who were surprised by the announcement.
“I thought YEAH was finished, didn't the publishers have a license to use the YEAH Did the intellectual property just get taken down? asked one user on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another questioned: “I thought they were ruined? “I’m glad the brand has survived.”
“I thought they laid off all their employees,” one person added.
On January 19, Front Office Sports confirmed that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Staff members were notified of the ongoing “mass layoffs” and planned ahead.
“Some employees will be terminated immediately and paid in lieu of the applicable notice period under the [the union contract]”, an email obtained by FOS sent to employees by The Arena Group, the former YEAH editor, read.
“The People team will soon contact employees whose last working day is today. Other employees are expected to work through the end of the notice period and will receive additional information shortly,” the email continues.
According to FOS, “Authentic, the license pool that purchased Sports Illustrated for $110 million to Meredith five years ago, has terminated its agreement with The Arena Group to publish YEAH in print and digital form.
