Sabrina Ionescu, a standout guard for the New York Liberty, has significantly impacted the WNBA since being drafted first overall in 2020. Her journey to becoming a champion culminated in 2024 when she led the Liberty to their first WNBA title. Reflecting on this achievement, Ionescu expressed a profound sense of fulfillment, stating, “I finally feel like I’ve made it, like I’ve done what I’ve been wanting to do for a really long time.”
Beyond her on-court success, Ionescu is deeply committed to the growth of women’s basketball. She actively engages in initiatives aimed at inspiring young athletes, such as hosting the Sabrina Ionescu Showcase for girls’ basketball teams in the Bay Area. Emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation, she remarked, “If they are able to watch us and see what we do, we hope to empower a younger generation of girls and form a better future for them.”
In December 2024, Ionescu expanded her influence by joining Unrivaled, a new women’s 3×3 basketball league. This move not only allows her to continue competing at a high level during the WNBA offseason but also positions her as a part-owner, reflecting her dedication to advancing opportunities within women’s sports. She noted, “Being able to take part in a league that is the first of its kind with a historic deal and be on the ownership side of it is important for me.”
Ionescu’s multifaceted contributions—ranging from her championship pursuits to her mentorship of emerging players and involvement in innovative leagues—underscore her pivotal role in shaping the future of the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole.
