Sabrina Ionescu’s Nike signature shoe line has quickly become a fan favorite among basketball players in both the NBA and WNBA. Recognizing the popularity of her footwear, Ionescu recently gifted a set of customized Sabrina 2 sneakers to Los Angeles Sparks rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker, prompted by a request from guard Kelsey Plum. This gesture has drawn attention for its spirit of WNBA camaraderie and generosity.
How Kelsey Plum Helped Facilitate the Shoe Donation
At the Sparks’ training camp, Kelsey Plum noticed Barker wearing an old pair of Ionescu’s shoes that looked worn out. Wanting to support her teammate, Plum contacted Ionescu and asked for assistance. Plum explained that Barker wears a size 10.5, which matched Ionescu’s size, making the donation smoother. Ionescu promptly sent multiple colorways of the Nike Sabrina 2 sneakers to Barker through Plum’s coordination.
I hit Sab up, and I’m like,’ Yo help my teammate, it’s a nightmare out here,’ and she was like, ‘I got you. What size does she wear?’
—Kelsey Plum, Guard
Following the delivery, Plum shared a video message on Instagram expressing her excitement and gratitude for Ionescu’s generosity.
Dog, she hooked up SA [Barker], come on baby, I’m hyped for you.
—Kelsey Plum, Guard
Kevin Garnett Commends Ionescu’s Act of Kindness
NBA legend Kevin Garnett, a vocal supporter of the WNBA, praised Ionescu’s support publicly. On his Instagram story, Garnett recognized the generosity with a simple yet powerful two-word caption, “Real one.” This acknowledgment highlights the respect and admiration Ionescu earned from a prominent figure in basketball.
WNBA’s Restrictive Sneaker Rules Explored
The story sparked a debate online about why Plum, who endorses the Under Armour Breakthru 5, did not give Barker her own sneakers. Plum clarified Barker could not wear Under Armour on the court due to current WNBA rules. According to sneaker journalist Nicholas Vlahos from Sole Retriever, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates that only players with qualifying shoe deals valued at $5,000 or more can wear non-Nike sneakers during games.
This rule also requires paperwork submission seven days before training camp. As a result, even if Barker signed with Under Armour now, she would need to wait until the next season to wear those sneakers in official matches. This contrasts sharply with the NBA, where players without shoe contracts frequently switch brands mid-season without restrictions.
Implications for WNBA Players and Sneaker Choice Flexibility
The WNBA’s limited footwear freedom, particularly impacting rookies like Barker, has generated questions about player autonomy and league policies. Unlike the NBA’s more flexible environment, WNBA athletes face stricter regulations, which some see as a barrier to players’ personal expression and endorsement opportunities. Ionescu’s generous donation not only provided immediate relief for Barker but also illuminated ongoing concerns about equity and player rights in women’s professional basketball.