They Were Very Accommodating’: Sabrina Ionescu Addresses Scheduling Issues After Joining Unrivaled

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu expressed her excitement about joining Unrivaled while addressing potential scheduling conflicts with the WNBA. She noted that the league had been very accommodating, allowing her to balance her commitments effectively. Ionescu officially joined the Unrivaled league, marking a significant chapter in her career.

After months of speculation and discussions, the star guard from the New York Liberty signed with Phantom Basketball Club, teaming up with her former college teammate, Satou Sabally. This new opportunity arose after Ionescu’s successful season, where she helped the Liberty secure their first championship. Despite undergoing surgery on her right thumb, Ionescu remained optimistic about her participation in Unrivaled.



The league provided the flexibility she needed, allowing her to balance other commitments while preparing for the upcoming season. Her contract offered not only financial incentives but also an equity stake, making it a groundbreaking deal for women’s basketball. The connection between Ionescu and Sabally played a pivotal role in her decision.

Their chemistry on and off the court was evident, and both players looked forward to collaborating again. Head coach Adam Harrington, with whom Ionescu shared a long-standing relationship, added to the appeal of joining Phantom BC. The Unrivaled league aimed to feature top-tier talent during its inaugural season in Miami, offering players a unique platform to showcase their skills.

Ionescu’s involvement exemplified her commitment to growing the sport and supporting innovative leagues that prioritize player development. New York Liberty Guard Sabrina Ionescu Addressed WNBA Scheduling Issues After Joining Unrivaled Ionescu’s announcement made people wonder how she’ll handle playing for Unrivaled before the new WNBA season starts. The All-Star guard dropped her take, as seen in an article written by Doug Feinberg for Associated Press .

“I have certain dates that I have to be gone for. They were very accommodating with things I already accepted and have to be gone for before I committed to the league,” Ionescu said. Ionescu faced scheduling conflicts between her commitments to the WNBA and the new Unrivaled league.

After recovering from thumb surgery, she decided to join Unrivaled as its final player, which ultimately ruled out Caitlin Clark’s participation. Ionescu’s signing marked a significant moment, as she was set to earn a notable salary in a league designed to provide WNBA players with alternatives during the offseason. This decision highlighted the challenges athletes faced in balancing multiple professional obligations, emphasizing the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..