Five years after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the New York Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu has established herself as one of the premier backcourt players in the WNBA. Now entering her sixth season, she helped lead the Liberty to a league championship last year. With the upcoming offseason opening a wide pool of free-agent opportunities, the possibility of a Sabrina Ionescu WNBA free-agent bidding war has drawn attention, especially given the emergence of a new team in her hometown area.
Local Ties and a New Contender in the Bay Area
Ionescu hails from Walnut Creek, California, just outside San Francisco. The launch of the Golden State Valkyries in the Bay Area adds a compelling factor to her future decisions. This development gives her the opportunity to potentially return to her roots and become a hometown star, a scenario that could challenge the Liberty’s hold on the talented guard.
Owner Spending Power Fuels Potential Rivalry
New York’s ownership under Joe Tsai is known for its commitment to top talent, but the Golden State Valkyries are backed by Joe Lacob, owner of the Golden State Warriors, who has a reputation for significant investments in players. This financial muscle from two of the league’s wealthiest owners could set the stage for a fierce bidding war centered on Ionescu.
Industry Insights on Ionescu’s Status and Possible Outcomes
On The Athletic’s No Offseason podcast, discussion about the upcoming free agency season highlighted that most veterans are likely to stay put, but Ionescu’s situation stands apart. Industry analyst Sabreena Merchant noted the unique circumstances around Ionescu and her connections to both teams.
“Regarding Sabrina, she does play with Breanna (Stewart) who moved to New York to be closer to her home,”
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic
“If you think about Sabrina Ionescu is from Northern California, and that is why this has been brought up. That is one that—I have no inside information, Sabrina seems very happy with the New York Liberty, she is the longest-tenured member of the New York Liberty. … She is the face of the franchise.”
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic
“Admittedly, I don’t know what the new CBA is going to look like, what kind of money Joe Lacob can throw at Sabrina Ionescu. But whatever it is, Joe Tsai is going to do the same thing in New York. It’s not an issue in terms of one or the other.”
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic
Current Season Performance and Its Impact on Her Future
This season, Ionescu has experienced a slower start than usual, averaging 13.8 points per game, her lowest since 2021. Her shooting efficiency has dipped as well, with a 38.8% field goal percentage and a career-low 25.0% from three-point range. Despite this, her overall skill and value in the league remain high, keeping her firmly in the spotlight for top team negotiations.
Implications for Teams and the WNBA Landscape
The potential bidding war involving Sabrina Ionescu highlights the increasing competitiveness in the WNBA’s free-agent market. The rivalry between two financially strong ownership groups, Joe Tsai’s New York Liberty and Joe Lacob’s Golden State Valkyries, emphasizes evolving priorities around player retention and acquisition. Ionescu’s decision will not only impact her career trajectory but could also reshape team dynamics and league balance in the coming years.