WNBA Star Kysre Gondrezick Makes History As Playboy’s 2025 Miss June — “I’m Not Changing, I’m Evolving”
Former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick is turning heads — and making history — as the first Black professional athlete to ever grace the pages of Playboy.
The 26-year-old basketball star, who once suited up for the Chicago Sky, recently unveiled photos from her Playboyfeature, proudly announcing her new title: Playboy’s 2025 Miss June.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Professional basketball player Kysre Gondrezick is seen leaving Prabal Gurung Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week at 1 Centre Street on September 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Making History With Confidence
In an Instagram post that quickly went viral, Gondrezick shared stunning shots from her photoshoot, writing:
“Playboy’s 2025 Miss June. Proud to be the first Black professional athlete in history to ever grace Playboy magazine and this year’s centerfold!”
Her announcement sent shockwaves through both the sports and fashion worlds, with fans and fellow athletes praising her for embracing confidence, empowerment, and self-expression on her own terms.
Playboy also celebrated the milestone on social media, calling Kysre “the first current female professional basketball player to also take on the Playmate title.”
SHE HAS A PERFECT STOMACH
WOW THAT BODY LOOKS GREAT
OMG – LOOK AT HER FROM BEHIND, LIL BOOTIES MATTER
WOW, THAT’S PRETTY PERFECT UP TOP TOO
“This Is Evolution”
In her interview with Playboy, Gondrezick reflected on what this moment means for her — not as a departure from her athletic career, but as an expansion of who she is as a woman, athlete, and brand.
“What people label as a transition, I embody as evolution,” she explained. “I’m not stepping outside who I am. I’m building a multidimensional brand.”
The message struck a chord with fans, many of whom applauded her for defying expectations and redefining what it means to be both an athlete and a businesswoman in today’s world.
Balancing Basketball and Branding
Even as she steps into a new arena, Gondrezick made it clear she hasn’t left basketball behind.
“Becoming a WNBA player and getting to that level — you put in a lot of work to get there,” she told Playboy. “You have to put in even more work to stay there.”
While she’s currently a free agent, Kysre continues to train and compete. Last month, she announced that she’ll be joining the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball League in 2026 — an opportunity she describes as both humbling and thrilling.
“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,” she said in a statement.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Kysre Gondrezick
is seen arriving to Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” World Premiere on September 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Breaking Barriers — On Her Own Terms
Gondrezick’s Playboy spread represents more than just a bold career move — it’s a cultural moment. As both a professional athlete and now a Playmate, she’s joining a short list of women who’ve successfully crossed from sports to high-fashion modeling.
SHE’S FLEXIBLE TOO, WOW
A THROWBACK BEAUTY, OMG!
Fans across social media have been celebrating the achievement. One wrote, “Kysre’s doing it all — beauty, brains, and game!” Another added, “This is what empowerment looks like in 2025.”
The Power of Reinvention
For Kysre, this is just the beginning. Whether she’s shooting jump shots or magazine covers, she’s proving that women — especially Black women in sports — can write their own stories.
As she told Playboy, “This isn’t me changing — it’s me evolving.”
And judging by the reaction, the world is ready to watch that evolution unfold.
