Sabrina Ionescu is a prominent American professional basketball player currently excelling with the New York Liberty in the WNBA. After a stellar collegiate career at the University of Oregon, where she became a two-time national player of the year, Ionescu set numerous records, including being the NCAA Division I career leader in triple-doubles and the all-time assists leader in the Pac-12 Conference. Her remarkable achievements in college basketball included winning the John R. Wooden Award and leading her team to their first Final Four appearance.
Drafted first overall by the New York Liberty in the 2020 WNBA Draft, Ionescu quickly made her mark in the league. Despite an ankle injury that sidelined her for most of her rookie season, she bounced back with determination. In her second season, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double and made headlines for achieving the league’s first 30-point triple-double. Her record-breaking performances, including setting the WNBA single-season record for three-pointers in 2023, have solidified her status as a top player in women’s basketball.
Beyond her individual accolades, Ionescu has played a pivotal role in elevating the visibility and popularity of women’s basketball. Her presence has significantly increased attendance at games, both home and away, and she has become a key figure in promoting the sport. In addition to her on-court success, she has signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, further establishing her brand within the sports industry.
Ionescu’s contributions extend to the national team, where she won a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and was named to the USA Olympic team for the 2024 Summer Games. Her leadership and skill continue to inspire future generations of athletes, making her a vital ambassador for women’s sports and an influential role model.