At the 2025 WNBA All-Star event in Indianapolis, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu pledged to award rookie Sonia Citron $30,000 following her victory in the 3-point contest. Ionescu committed half of her prize money to Citron, while the remaining half will support her SI20 Foundation, which promotes sports opportunities for children from all backgrounds.
Citron, who was the only rookie participant in the shootout, shared her intentions for the money, revealing she plans to invest part of the funds and donate some to Ionescu’s foundation. Although she has not yet received the cash, she confirmed it is forthcoming.
Sonia Citron Reflects on Participating in the All-Star Weekend
As the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, Sonia Citron has quickly become a key player for the Washington Mystics. She admitted to feeling anxious before the 3-point contest but embraced the challenge as an opportunity she did not want to miss. Speaking on Sue Bird’s Bird’s Eye View podcast, Citron said,
“I’m definitely stressed about it. They asked, and I was like, ‘This is going to give me a lot of anxiety.’ But it’s going to be a really cool experience, and I would rather do it than not do it and regret, like, what if?” —Sonia Citron
Despite her nerves, Citron scored 19 points in the competition, an impressive showing among seasoned veterans such as Kelsey Plum, Lexie Hull, and Allisha Gray. Throughout the season, she has been reliable for the Mystics, averaging 14.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Second 3-Point Crown and the Prize Distribution
Sabrina Ionescu secured her second title in the 3-point shootout after scoring 30 points in the final round, adding to her 2023 victory where she scored 37 points. After the contest, Ionescu revealed her reason for sharing the prize money with Citron, highlighting the rookie’s courage and the bond they formed on the court.
“I told Sonia that I would give her half if I won when we were sitting on the bench. As being, like, the only rookie. She was nervous, and I was nervous for her. I obviously have to hold up my end of the bargain, so half is gonna go to her.” —Sabrina Ionescu
“I gotta text her and let her know that I’m gonna give her half of it. Just for participating, like, that takes a lot of courage to be able to do that as a rookie, and I was really proud of her.” —Sabrina Ionescu
Ionescu’s gesture not only demonstrates her support for emerging players but also underscores her commitment to giving back. Her SI20 Foundation focuses on providing children access to sports regardless of their background, helping to nurture future athletes and leaders.
Impact of the Gesture on Rookie Players and the League
By promising such a significant financial reward to Citron, Ionescu has highlighted the importance of mentorship and encouragement for rookies navigating high-pressure environments like the All-Star weekend. This act of generosity is likely to inspire other established players to support newcomers in their development.
For Citron, the opportunity to invest part of the prize money while contributing to a foundation aligned with her mentor’s goals shows a thoughtful, long-term approach to her career and community impact. This exchange strengthens the culture of solidarity that many hope will continue to grow within the WNBA.