Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty Reflects on Her Groundbreaking WNBA Championship Victory: 'I Truly Feel Like I've Arrived'
I can still hear the exhilarating voice of the ESPN announcer echoing in my mind, shouting, “And hit! And hit! Sabrina Ionescu, with the biggest shot in Liberty history!” as the New York Liberty point guard nailed a stunning three-pointer to secure victory in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
This moment was monumental for Ionescu, a player renowned for delivering in high-pressure situations. Her clutch performance not only brought her team closer to a championship but ultimately paved the way for the New York Liberty to capture their first-ever WNBA championship title in Game 5 of the series. For those familiar with Ionescu's journey, her impressive shot was hardly surprising. From a young age, she was known for her competitive spirit, even challenging adults to pickup games—and winning. Her talent was undeniable during her college years at the University of Oregon, where she led her team to a remarkable 31-2 record in her final season, only to see her national title aspirations dashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she didn’t let that setback define her; instead, she made history as the only player—male or female—in NCAA history to achieve 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists.
Following her extraordinary college career, Ionescu was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. Since then, she has played an instrumental role in leading the New York Liberty to the finals in the past two seasons. Her star continued to rise last year when she scored an incredible 37 points in the WNBA three-point contest, setting a new record for both the WNBA and NBA, surpassing Steph Curry's previous record of 31 points.
Off the court, Ionescu is dedicated to giving back and nurturing the next generation of basketball players. She hosts the Sabrina Ionescu Showcase, a platform designed to empower and inspire young female athletes. Furthermore, her influence extends into the sneaker world with her signature Nike shoes—the Sabrina 1s, released in 2023, followed by the Sabrina 2s, which debuted this past summer.
The day after the Liberty clinched their championship title, Ionescu participated in an event at Nike’s New York City headquarters. This event celebrated a significant 12-year extension of Nike's partnership with the NBA, WNBA, and G League. In 2022, Nike deepened its commitment to the WNBA by becoming an equity investor in the league and launching several initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting the sport. Notable programs include Women in Nike, which provides career experience for retired WNBA players, and Game Growers, which collaborates with seventh and eighth-grade girls to gather their insights on increasing female participation in sports. In case you missed it, Nike also had a brilliant ad campaign ready to commemorate the Liberty’s victory. Under the new agreement, Nike will continue to design and manufacture uniforms, along with on-court and fan apparel.
On stage at the event, Ionescu was joined by Nike President and CEO Elliott Hill, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo via Zoom. During her remarks, she emphasized the significance of inspiring young athletes in the sport. “Young girls and young boys are growing up in a world where they can attend sold-out games with 19,000 fans, and viewership peaks at two million,” she said. “It’s incredible to be part of this league at this moment in time, where we’re creating change and witnessing its impact not just here but globally. We’re at a pivotal point in sports and culture where we can inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, showing them that no dream is too outrageous.”
Prior to the event, ELLE had the opportunity to speak with Ionescu about the meaning of the finals win, her unforgettable game-winning shot, and the explosive growth of women’s basketball.
Reflecting on Childhood Dreams
You picked up a basketball at the tender age of three, often playing with your brothers in the driveway. What would that little girl think of where you are now?
I honestly can’t even imagine what she would think. It’s tough to articulate, but I believe it all comes down to understanding that every experience has contributed to my journey. It's about committing to the process of becoming your best self, showing up daily, and overcoming challenges as they arise. Winning a championship is especially meaningful because it is a collective achievement; it takes many individuals working hard and making sacrifices over time. When you finally reach that point and experience victory, it makes every bit of effort worthwhile.
Unfinished Business
You faced unfinished business at the college level when COVID-19 halted the NCAA championships during your final season with Oregon. How does it feel to finally secure a national title?
I've been anticipating this moment for quite a while. I got so close in college but was unable to finish what I started. Each year as I progressed in the professional league, I felt the weight of that unfinished business. Last year, we also came very close, and now, finally achieving what I’ve longed for is exhilarating. I feel as though I’ve made it and accomplished what I’ve wanted for so long. It’s just the beginning for me; I’ve experienced what it feels like to be in that situation, and I hope to continue winning as I grow in the league.
Learning from Loss
Last year, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Liberty to win the championship in Brooklyn. Throughout the season, you were ranked number one. Was this season driven by a sense of revenge?
Absolutely! You have to lose to truly understand what it takes to win. Our core group experienced that loss together, which fueled our determination throughout this year's playoffs. We were motivated not to feel that disappointment again. We all knew we had to step up—whether that meant a starter or a bench player taking charge—to ensure we succeeded as a team and avoided going through that heartache again. In sports, there are always going to be losses, but collectively failing and learning from it strengthens a team and enhances our understanding of what it takes to win.
The Game-Winning Moment
We must discuss your remarkable three-point shot that clinched the win in Game 3. What was going through your mind at that moment?
Honestly, I was trying not to think too much, which is usually when I perform at my best. I aimed to get a good shot, whatever that looked like. I felt I had a clear view of the basket and was confident in my ability to make the shot. Winning on an opponent's court in the playoffs is always challenging, so I was grateful we pulled it off, as it was crucial for setting us up for Game 5 back in New York.
The Bittersweet Home Court
It would have been amazing if that shot had taken place at home.
I know, right? It would have been electric at Barclays!
Staying Engaged
In Game 5, you had a solid defensive performance and made some fantastic assists, but your shooting wasn’t quite on target. How do you stay mentally engaged when your shots aren’t falling?
There are so many ways to impact the game beyond just scoring. Whether it’s through passing, defending, rebounding, or driving to draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates, I think it’s crucial to recognize all the different ways you can influence the game. This understanding has really helped me evolve as a player. I focused on getting key stops and rebounds while facilitating for my teammates. Every contribution counts in the grand scheme.
Officiating Discussions
There was considerable conversation surrounding officiating throughout the finals. After Game 4, your coach Sandy Brondello had some thoughts, and Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx coach, did as well. What’s your take on the officiating during the series?
It’s been consistent with what we’ve experienced all year. We know what to expect; some games go our way, and others don’t. Game 4 had its own officiating challenges, which is why Sandy expressed her concerns. However, we’ve never used officiating as an excuse this year. Whether calls go our way or not, we focus on what we can do better. Officiating is outside our control, so after Game 4, we needed to adjust to how the game was being called and focus on our performance rather than placing blame elsewhere.
The Growth of Women's Sports
I want to touch on the growth and popularity of women’s sports this season. When you were in middle school, you had to form your own girls’ basketball team when your school didn’t have one. You were told you couldn’t play with the boys and that you should be playing with dolls. From that experience to now, how has it felt to witness the growth of women’s sports, particularly women’s basketball this year?
It’s truly remarkable. It feels like just yesterday I was in middle school, and now to see the trajectory of the sport is incredible. We’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible. This year, during both the regular season and playoffs, we set numerous records for attendance, viewership, and jersey sales. Across the board, we experienced so many milestones, which is exhilarating for the next generation of athletes who will grow up in a world where this level of engagement is the new norm.
Investment in Women's Basketball
What does it mean to you to see ongoing investment from Nike and the Liberty owners in supporting the team and the league?
This kind of genuine investment is essential. Nike has always been a leader in supporting women’s sports, and they’ve consistently prioritized putting women first, particularly in our league and across the sports landscape. That’s why I value my partnership with them, especially as it pertains to my shoe line. Knowing that their support is crucial for future athletes gives me hope. The next player to release a signature shoe will help lay the foundation for the progress we’re striving to achieve.
Our team owners have also been exceptional. They believed in us and wanted to invest in the team long before it became trendy. Their commitment to our success and their understanding of the potential impact of their investment is commendable. I’m thrilled for them, as I know how much this championship means to them.
