What if Swin Cash’s dream of modeling for Victoria’s Secret actually happened?
Cash, who was a model in her younger years, later became a two-time NCAA champion with the University of Connecticut Huskies. Her jersey has been retired, and she’s also a three-time WNBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Now at 46, she has her sights set on Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
Reflecting on her past, Cash shared, “I remember him being a player with various skills.” She also recalled modeling at New York Fashion Week when she was just 14.
“I decided to quit modeling to focus on sports. [Cynthia] mentioned she couldn’t afford college, so I really honed in on basketball and academics to secure a scholarship, which I did,” she explained.
“But I always had this desire to model for Victoria’s Secret. I wanted to walk for them and do all the things they showcased. I was aware of that brand, yet at the same time, other media outlets didn’t focus enough on the WNBA. We realized that if we got more airtime, it could change that.”
Cash, who found herself at a turning point in the late ’90s when NCAA rules changed to allow players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), is thrilled to see WNBA players establishing their brands and achieving recognition beyond basketball.
“If you fall in love with a player, you’ve seen enough of WNBA basketball,” she said, laughing. “They’ve got their style, and I told my mom to get me a headband. But I was also advised to keep my focus on basketball. Now, it’s amazing to see women pushing boundaries.”
“I never kept my head down. I always worked on my business endeavors as well, but today’s players are taking things to a whole new level. They get to be themselves, and that includes attending events like the Met Gala. It honestly made me emotional; it’s a chance for them to seize the moment.”
Cash’s charm and passion for fashion have undoubtedly led to numerous brand partnerships in this new NIL environment.
She chuckled while recalling a text exchange with former UConn coach Geno Auriemma involving her teammates from the 2002 Huskies. “Oh Lord! It’s hilarious…we still have our group chat,” she chuckled, adding that Auriemma once said, “If you think about Swin, she’s going to be a Kardashian,” relating to the current NIL landscape.
“I completely lost it at that. I mean, it’s a compliment, right? When the opportunity arises, it’s a big deal… Sue often says we were ahead of the curve thinking about the business side of basketball, and I’m thankful to have had such great mentors.”
The 2002 Huskies team had an impressive season, going 39-0 and winning the national title, with Cash earning Final Four Most Valuable Player honors.
Even though the WNBA is now entering its 30th season, Cash was only five years old when the Detroit Shock picked her second overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft. Back then, brand deals and social media didn’t influence popularity in the same way they do today.
“I was that kid who would run up to Magic Johnson at any event and ask, ‘How did you get that Starbucks deal?’” Cash shared. “I wanted to understand and learn, and everyone was willing to help.”
She and her former teammates were part of a broader movement that helped lay the groundwork for the advancements in the game today. Recently, a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was reached, promoting player salaries and benefits.
This CBA, active from the 2026 season until 2032, raises the salary cap to $7 million in increments and introduces a new revenue-sharing model, increasing minimum salaries and enhancing family planning and retirement benefits.
Cash established her presence even when she didn’t have the resources today’s players do.
She became a four-time WNBA All-Star and even earned All-Star Game MVP honors twice.
The Pittsburgh native made headlines when she was featured in Sports Illustrated as one of its 50 most fashionable people in April 2016.
“After I finished playing, I constantly thought about the WNBA’s future,” Cash mentioned. “I believe everything I did—on and off the court—was aimed at growing the game and the league. I’m genuinely proud of our current state and look forward to the future.”
From 2017 to 2018, Cash was the Director of Franchise Development for the Liberty, then served as Vice President of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans until 2025, before transitioning to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations.
Now, she’s set to join Prime Video’s impressive lineup of analysts for the 2026 WNBA coverage after a season as an NBA analyst.
“The studio tech will engage you like never before. It’s going to feel like you’re part of the game,” Cash commented. “I can’t wait to show a different side of myself. We’re here to educate, but not talk over anyone’s head; we want direct conversations.”
“One thing I can do…I can get you on the floor,” she continued, bringing excitement to showing plays from a player’s perspective. “It’s going to be a blast.”
Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper will join Candace Parker for game and studio analysis, while Olympic gold medalist Kara Lawson and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster LaChina Robinson will serve as analysts. Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon, along with WNBA stars Lindsey Harding and Ty Young, will join Cash in the studio.
Additionally, Kelsey Plumb of the Los Angeles Sparks will contribute as a player during the 2026 season.
Prime Video’s 2026 WNBA season kicks off with a doubleheader on Thursday, featuring the Minnesota Lynx against the Dallas Wings at 8 p.m. ET and the Liberty facing the Portland Fire at 10 p.m. ET.
Prime Video will provide exclusive streaming of 31 regular season games, along with the Commissioner’s Cup Championship and selected postseason games.
Outside basketball, Cash is also a devoted mother to two sons, Saint and Saire, with her husband Steve Canal. She remains active in sports as a philanthropist and entrepreneur, advocating for women in the industry.
She founded Cash for Kids, a nonprofit aimed at empowering youth, and launched She’s Got Time in 2022, focusing on fostering a diverse ecosystem of resources and community for women in sports.
In January, she was appointed to the board of the Women’s Sports Foundation.
