Sabrina Ionescu stepped onto the court wearing more than just her game face. The New York Liberty star guard debuted her latest Nike signature shoe, the Sabrina 3, during the recent matchup against the Indiana Fever.
For sneakerheads and basketball fans alike, July 24Â can’t come fast enough – that’s when the shoe drops for everyone else.
Sabrina Ionescu Debuts the Sabrina 3 Against the Fever
The shoe features a pleated mesh upper with tunneling cables for lace loops. It also has a forefoot Air Zoom unit and a Cushlon 3.0 midsole for a balance of softness and stability. The outsole includes a new “S”-designed traction pattern for enhanced grip.
The debut proved to be a good luck charm. New York dominated the game 98-77. While Breanna Stewart led with 24 points, Ionescu’s 15 points and nine assists were pivotal in maintaining the Liberty’s lead. Her first-quarter outburst of 10 points and playmaking in the first half with four assists set up New York’s 15-point halftime advantage.
Sabrina Ionescu debuts the Nike Sabrina 3 👀
Her 3rd signature shoe & apparel collection drops on July 24th. pic.twitter.com/uu7cyxbnYA
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 17, 2025
Both teams dealt with key absences. The Liberty were without starting center Jonquel Jones due to a sprained ankle, while the Fever missed All-Star guard Caitlin Clark due to a right groin injury sustained the previous night against the Connecticut Sun.
How Did Ionescu Build Her Nike Partnership?
Ionescu, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, ranks among the league’s most popular players. The 27-year-old finished among the top 10 in fan votes during All-Star voting.
One of the best three-point shooters in the game, often drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry, Ionescu signed the multi-year deal with Nike after her draft selection. The contract is reportedly worth $24 million and includes the development of her signature shoe and apparel line.
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 Ionescu’s deal with Nike was a landmark achievement, considering she became the first women’s basketball player to deliver a unisex signature collection with the company. Megan Rapinoe and Serena Williams had earlier signed deals with Nike, promoting gender-neutral sportswear.
Ionescu’s first signature shoe, Sabrina 1, was launched in fall 2023. Engineered for Ionescu’s playing style, the shoes featured rapid acceleration and quick cuts. It also included full-length Nike React cushioning and a top-loaded Nike Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for energy return, responsiveness, and midfoot stability.
It was available in Photon Dust, White Black, Oxygen Purple, New York Liberty, Light Bone Laser Orange, and Medium Soft Pink colorways.
Ionescu debuted the shoes during the 2023 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game against the Indiana Fever. She recorded nine points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the 90-73 win.
Additionally, the shoe incorporated elements of Ionescu’s Romanian heritage through intricate embroidery patterns on the forefoot and eye-stays. Ionescu’s father, Dan, escaped from Communist Romania during the late 20th century, seeking political asylum in the U.S.A.
MORE: Sabrina Ionescu Shares Adorable Message After Emotional Moment With Young Fan
The shoe gained popularity across the WNBA, NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball. Jrue Holiday, Mikal Bridges, Jordan Poole, and Tyrese Haliburton have worn it. Notably, Nigel Hayes-Davis wore it while breaking the EuroLeague scoring record.
Sabrina 2 was launched on June 25, 2024, in the “Court Vision” colorway. It was lighter by 28 grams than the Sabrina 1, and featured a plush Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole within a firmer Cushlon foam carrier, paired with a forefoot Nike Zoom Air unit for responsiveness.
