In the midst of intense WNBA rivalries and troubling moments of racial animosity, Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu demonstrated the strong camaraderie that exists among players, offering a supportive gesture toward LA Sparks rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker. Plum, recently traded to the Sparks ahead of the 2025 season, noticed Barker’s struggle with outdated basketball shoes during training camp and decided to intervene. This act of kindness highlights the genuine bonds behind the league’s competitive facade.

Plum explained that Barker, a teammate from Alabama, was wearing an old pair of Sabrina-branded Nike shoes that were causing issues. Recognizing the need for new gear, Plum reached out to Ionescu, Barker’s idol and a friend from her Olympic experience, to secure fresh sneakers. Thanks to their connection, Barker received six pairs of brand-new Nike shoes that did not feature the college colors Plum hoped to avoid, strengthening team morale early in the season.

How the Shoe Gift Came Together

During a conversation shared on her Instagram Stories, Plum described the situation at training camp where Barker was still relying on an old pair of shoes. When Plum asked Barker what style she preferred, Barker expressed her fondness for Ionescu’s signature shoes, praising their grip and comfort.

This is why the W is the best, okay? My teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker from Alabama, in training camp she’s wearing (Nike) Sabrinas. But they’re like, they’re old. I’m like ‘We gotta get you some new shoes. What’s going on here?’ And she’s like ‘Yeah, I got some, but they’re taking too long, blah blah blah, whatever.’ So it’s like ‘Okay, what do you wanna wear?’ She’s like ‘I like the Sabrinas, I like the grip, it’s great.’

—Kelsey Plum, LA Sparks guard

Given Barker’s preference, Plum reached out to Ionescu, asking if she could help acquire some fresh pairs, avoiding any Oregon colorways due to the longstanding college rivalry between Plum and Ionescu. Ionescu quickly responded, confirming the shoe size and promising to assist. Soon after, a package containing six pairs of pristine Nike Sabrina shoes arrived for Barker, who has since been seen wearing the pink versions during Sparks games.

I said, ‘Great. I know Sabrina. Let’s ask her for some shoes. Some good colorways.’ She’s like, ‘okay.’ So I hit Sab up, I’m like ‘Yo, help my teammate. It’s a nightmare out here.’ And she was like ‘I got you. What size is she wearing?’ I said ‘10.5.’ She said ‘Great, that’s the size I wear.’ I’m like ‘Great! Just don’t send any Oregon colorways. I can even deal with the Liberty (colors) but don’t send any Oregon colorways.’ She’s like ‘Okay, bet.’ Look what showed up at the door!

—Kelsey Plum, LA Sparks guard

From Collegiate Rivals to WNBA Teammates

Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu share a unique history as two of the most celebrated guard prospects entering the WNBA before Caitlin Clark’s rise. Both athletes developed in the competitive Pac-12 Conference, with Plum starring at Washington and Ionescu leading the Oregon Ducks. Their rivalry was a notable storyline during their collegiate careers, which partly explains Plum’s wish to avoid the Oregon colors when choosing shoes for Barker.

Career Journeys Define Their Relationship

Both Plum and Ionescu faced challenges during their rookie WNBA seasons, yet their persistence helped shape their subsequent success. Plum, once the top overall pick alongside A’ja Wilson, played a pivotal role in transforming the Las Vegas Aces into back-to-back WNBA champions in 2022 and 2023, famously defeating Ionescu and the New York Liberty in the 2023 Finals.

In retaliation, the Liberty overcame the Aces in the 2024 semifinals, increasing the spotlight on Plum’s performance as her production dipped. After this playoff run, Plum was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, a team currently in the early stages of rebuilding. Now a two-time champion, Plum has embraced a leadership role, guiding younger players like Barker. Meanwhile, Ionescu remains a key star for the Liberty, who are undefeated in the 2025 season.

The Impact of Their Gesture on Team Dynamics

This shoe gift not only provided practical benefits for Barker but also demonstrated the supportive culture behind WNBA locker rooms. Plum and Ionescu’s collaboration sends a message that professional rivalry and respect coexist, embodying a sisterhood that helps foster positive team environments. Such actions counterbalance media narratives that often focus exclusively on rivalry and conflict within women’s basketball.

As the Sparks develop their roster with veterans like Plum mentoring fresh talent, moments like these could enhance chemistry and performance. Their example may inspire other players and organizations in the league to prioritize camaraderie and mutual support alongside competition. For Sarah Ashlee Barker, the gesture symbolizes encouragement and belonging early in her career.