Sports Illustrated USA – August 2026

Summary

Chris Mannix writes the lead feature in Sports Illustrated's August 2026 issue, Vol. 137 No. 7, profiling Jalen Brunson — the overlooked 6'2" guard who energized the Knicks, electrified New York and became an instant NBA icon after ending the franchise's 53-year title drought. The 80-page issue also covers Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski, World Cup fans in America, and Brentford FC's analytics-driven rise.

Mannix's Brunson cover story is timed to the NBA championship glow — he helped end the Knicks' drought with a sublime Finals performance. Tom Verducci profiles Misiorowski, who has thrice set the record this season for the fastest pitch thrown by a starter in MLB history. The World Cup fans feature captures the first men's tournament in the US in 32 years, including Alex Freeman's header against Australia that secured top spot in the group. Thore Haugstad explains how Brentford FC's analytical approach turns a tiny English club into Premier League giant slayers. Matt Verderame's panel picks the Hall of Fame snubs most deserving of enshrinement. L. Jon Wertheim profiles 18-year-old 200-meter specialist Gout Gout, who is chasing Usain Bolt's marks.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

p.24 · Jalen Brunson
Chris Mannix on the overlooked 6'2" guard who ended the Knicks' title drought. Brunson had to earn everything — this profile traces his path from Villanova sixth man to New York icon.

▸ Features

p.36 · Jacob Misiorowski
Tom Verducci on the Brewers righthander who has thrown the fastest pitch by a starter in MLB history three separate times this season. A flamethrower unlike any baseball has seen.

p.44 · World Cup Fans
The first men's World Cup in the US in 32 years brought communities together. Alex Freeman's header against Australia secured a 2-0 win and the USMNT's first group-top finish since 2010.

p.54 · Brentford F.C.
Thore Haugstad on how analytics turned a tiny English club into Premier League giant slayers. The data-driven approach that lets Brentford compete with clubs spending ten times their budget.

p.62 · Hall of Fame Snubs
Matt Verderame's voter panel picks the omissions most deserving of enshrinement in Canton. Arguments that will restart every debate.

p.70 · Gout Gout
L. Jon Wertheim on the 18-year-old 200m specialist chasing Usain Bolt's records. Already the most exciting teenage sprinter since Bolt himself.

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Editor's Take

Cannella's August issue hits a remarkable range — NBA title, MLB record velocity, World Cup scenes, Premier League analytics and a teenage sprint prodigy — in five features without any feeling like filler. Mannix's Brunson piece earns the cover slot with genuine access and narrative propulsion. Verducci on Misiorowski is a reminder that baseball writing can still thrill when the subject is historic. The Brentford analytics piece by Haugstad is the sleeper best-read in the issue for anyone who follows the business side of sport. The Gout Gout profile is early to a story that will be huge. Weakest link: the World Cup fan feature, while timely, lacks a central character and reads more like a photo essay with captions. Best for: readers who want one magazine that covers the full American sports calendar in a single issue.

Strengths
• Brunson cover story delivers on the access promise
• Misiorowski piece captures a historic MLB season
• Brentford analytics story is genuinely surprising

Weaknesses
• World Cup fan feature lacks a narrative centre
• Gout Gout profile is too brief for the talent

Verdict: Essential — One of SI's best-balanced issues of 2026, with at least three features worth the cover price individually.