Sabrina Ionescu, recognized as one of the leading talents in women’s basketball, is set to remain with the New York Liberty throughout her professional career, according to her father. As an unrestricted free agent following the 2025 WNBA season, Ionescu is expected to receive a contract extension from the Liberty, reinforcing her ongoing presence with the team. <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA insider Marc Spears recently shared that Ionescu’s father confirmed the star guard’s intention to stay in New York and not return to her hometown.

“I talked to her dad during the WNBA all star weekend,” Spears said on NBA Today. “He said she’s never coming back home. She’s gonna play in New York her whole career”

Returning Home Didn’t Bring Success on the Court

Earlier this season, Ionescu experienced an emotional return to the San Francisco Bay Area when the Liberty played the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Growing up in Walnut Creek near East Bay, this game was a significant homecoming for her. Despite the excitement, Ionescu faced challenges on the court, managing to score only 11 points with a 1-for-11 shooting performance, a night far from her usual efficiency.

Ionescu’s History and Aspirations with the Liberty

Selected as the first overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu has made clear her wish to remain a one-team player. She expressed this sentiment earlier this season, emphasizing her goal to conclude her career with the Liberty.

“(New York is) where I want to be for the rest of my career,” Ionescu told the New York Post.

Throughout five seasons, Ionescu has become a cornerstone of the Liberty franchise. Her performance includes four All-Star selections and a vital role in securing the team’s recent WNBA championship. She has appeared in 166 games, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, illustrating her significant impact on the team’s success over the years.

What This Means for the Liberty and Ionescu’s Future

Sabrina Ionescu’s decision to stay with the New York Liberty signals stability for both the player and the franchise. Maintaining their star point guard will likely help the Liberty sustain their competitive edge in the WNBA. Fans and analysts alike expect that her presence will continue to boost the team’s aspirations for further championships. As the 2025 season concludes, attention will turn to contract negotiations that will determine the next chapter of Ionescu’s career in New York.