SI Women initially ran test publications as Sports Illustrated Women/Sport, in 1997.

The March 2000 launch of the ongoing product, slated for six issues per year, included a website, siforwomen.com.

Research showed that, "women are more interested in sports as participants than fans, unlike men.

"[4] That year, the magazine expanded, planning 10 issues per year and revamping its content to, "a wider range of activities pursued by today's modern, active women," including participatory sports with sections on training and adventure travel.

[1] In 2002, SI Women received a nomination for General Excellence from the National Magazine Awards.