New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu has launched the Sabrina 3, her newest signature sneaker with Nike, aimed at inspiring young athletes everywhere. The announcement coincided with her recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she shared insights about the inspiration behind her evolving footwear line.
Designed to reflect Ionescu’s identity as a player, the Sabrina 3 builds on unique elements such as the vertical swoosh and personalized details that connect the shoe directly to her style on and off the court. These sneakers complement her line of signature apparel, including hoodies, reversible shorts, and unisex pants—all of which highlight her commitment to inclusivity from the beginning of her brand.
Breaking Barriers with a Unisex Design That Resonates with All Youth
Ionescu emphasized the importance of creating a basketball shoe without gender boundaries. She stated,
“I can’t believe we are on 3 already. But to be able to understand what the vision was on Sabrina 1, which was to create the first unisex basketball shoe, and to see how it’s just taken the world by storm,”
before continuing,
“it kind of creates this opportunity for young girls and boys … to hope and dream of wanting to be a signature athlete.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty Guard
She has been testing the Sabrina 3 on the court for about a week and hopes that those who wear the shoe will enjoy the same performance and comfort that she experiences herself.
Ionescu Reflects on Influences and the Journey to Signature Status
Growing up in the 2000s, Ionescu admired basketball icons like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant and wore their signature shoes during her early playing days. She expressed excitement about now having her own line that others can wear, saying,
“Those were two of my favorite pieces. Now, people are wearing mine. It’s this whole full-circle moment, yeah.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty Guard
Despite the excitement, Ionescu shared the challenges behind curating the Sabrina 3, such as deciding on the timing of the release and selecting new colorways for the third iteration of the shoe, revealing this process was both demanding and rewarding.
Collaborations and Celebrity Endorsements Add to the Shoe’s Buzz
While Ionescu dismissed the idea of incorporating themes like Breanna Stewart’s Harry Potter-inspired collection—stating she isn’t a fan of the fantasy series—she hinted at special collaborations featured in the Sabrina 3 that fans will appreciate. The shoe has already gained visibility through endorsements, including actor Adam Sandler, who recently sported the sneakers during his visit to Jimmy Fallon’s show.
Significance of the Sabrina 3 for the Future of Basketball Footwear
The release of the Sabrina 3 marks a pivotal moment for both Ionescu and basketball culture as a whole. By leading with a unisex design, the sneaker challenges traditional norms in athletic gear and opens doors for young athletes of all genders to envision themselves as signature players. This ongoing evolution in the sportswear industry could influence how brands approach inclusivity, design, and athlete representation moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Sabrina Ionescu have surgery?
A. Sabrina Ionescu from New York Liberty is healing after surgery on her right thumb’s ulnar collateral ligament. She announced the procedure on Instagram after it was reported.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu black or white?
A. Sabrina Ionescu was born in Walnut Creek, California, to parents originally from Romania. Her dad, Dan Ionescu, left communist Romania around the 1989 revolution, looking for political safety in the U.S.
Q. How heavy is Sabrina Ionescu?
A. Ionescu injured the UCL in her right hand badly in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. The injury wasn’t revealed until after the Liberty won against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5. Getting surgery wraps up a remarkable year for the basketball player.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu a twin?
A. Eddy Ionescu, her twin brother, shared a touching message on Instagram right before the All-Star event, sending best wishes to the 27-year-old.