Kysre Gondrezick Makes History as First Black Professional Athlete in Playboy

Kysre Gondrezick, a former WNBA player, has made history by becoming the first Black professional athlete to appear on the cover of Playboy magazine. The 27-year-old, who played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, was announced as Playboy’s “Miss June 2025.” This milestone is part of the magazine's upcoming Winter 2025-26 issue, featuring a retro-glam photoshoot that reflects both her basketball background and her evolution into modeling and entrepreneurship.

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Gondrezick, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft, has transitioned from professional basketball to modeling and brand partnerships. In her own words, she describes this shift not as a departure but as an "evolution." She stated, “I’m not stepping outside who I am. I’m building a multidimensional brand.” This sentiment highlights her commitment to maintaining her identity while exploring new avenues in her career.

Kysre Gondrezick Becomes First Black Professional Athlete To Cover Playboy Magazine

While Gondrezick's achievement has garnered significant attention, it has also sparked mixed reactions. Some fans expressed outrage, questioning the relevance of Playboy and criticizing the portrayal of female athletes. Comments on social media included sentiments like, “And all it took was for Playboy to become an online bot like acct with no relevance in society anymore.” Others noted the disparity in how female athletes are judged compared to their male counterparts, emphasizing the challenges women face in marketing themselves.

WNBA world reacts to insane Playboy Magazine partnership

Gondrezick's Playboy feature comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented growth, thanks in part to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. This growth has opened new opportunities for athletes to express themselves beyond the court. Critics argue that female athletes should be allowed to market themselves similarly to male athletes without facing backlash. The conversation surrounding Gondrezick's cover reflects a broader cultural shift where women in sports are asserting their identities and challenging traditional norms.

Playboy announced Gondrezick's achievement on social media, emphasizing her status as the first current female professional basketball player to take on the Playmate title. Gondrezick herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m so grateful and excited all at the same time to get an opportunity to not only do what I love but compete amongst the best women to become better in pursuit of my dream.”

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• “What people label as a transition, I embody as evolution. I’m not stepping outside who I am. I’m building a multidimensional brand.” — Kysre Gondrezick

• “Proud to be the first Black professional athlete in history to ever grace Playboy magazine as a Playmate! x” — Kysre Gondrezick

Kysre Gondrezick Becomes First Black Professional Athlete To Cover Playboy Magazine

• “it’s so beautiful when Black female athletes can be objectified in the same way their white counterparts are,” — Anonymous Fan

WNBA world reacts to insane Playboy Magazine partnership

Kysre Gondrezick's historic Playboy cover represents a significant moment in the intersection of sports, fashion, and culture, while also highlighting ongoing discussions about gender and representation in athletics.

Kysre Gondrezick Sizzles In Seductive 'Playboy' Spread