The Labubu toy craze has taken the WNBA by storm, and the New York Liberty are at the center of this cultural phenomenon. Recent social media posts and courtside snapshots reveal something both curious and adorable: All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu and forward Breanna Stewart have embraced the wildly popular Labubu dolls, each customized in authentic New York Liberty gear.
How Did Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart Spark the WNBA Labubu Movement?
The dolls, created by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, represent far more than simple collectibles. They’ve become a cultural bridge connecting professional basketball with global fashion trends, and the Liberty’s biggest stars are leading this crossover.
Ionescu launched the trend with an Instagram story featuring her red Labubu, perfectly outfitted in a Liberty jersey and cap with the team’s name prominently displayed. The toy’s signature features – wide eyes, pointed ears, and mischievous grin – created an irresistible combination of whimsy and team pride.
Stewart followed with her own display of team unity. New York Post reporter Madeline Kenney captured the three-time WNBA champion showcasing a green Labubu attached to her shorts.
Breanna Stewart showing off her Labubu. Whole team got them, she said. pic.twitter.com/SexhEPhhCB
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) July 22, 2025
“Whole team got them,” Stewart confirmed, transforming what could have been individual player preferences into a unified team statement.
What Makes Labubu So Irresistible to Athletes and Celebrities?
Understanding Labubu requires appreciating its unique position in contemporary culture. Part of Pop Mart’s The Monsters collection, these figurines were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung with intentionally contradictory characteristics. They’re simultaneously “kind-hearted” and “mischievous,” featuring wide eyes, sharp teeth arranged in cheeky grins, and elf-like ears that create a creepy-cute aesthetic.
This design philosophy explains their broad appeal. Since 2019, Pop Mart has released over 300 Labubu designs, offering collectors an extensive range of sizes, outfits, and personalities. Fans typically attach them to belts, bags, and purses, treating them as both fashion accessories and personal talismans.
The Monsters collection extends beyond Labubu to include Mokoko, Pato, Tycoco, Zimomo, and Spooky. However, Labubu has emerged as the breakout star, transcending niche collector circles to achieve mainstream cultural relevance in fashion, entertainment, and now professional sports.
Celebrity endorsement has dramatically accelerated this trajectory. BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Stray Kids’ Felix, NewJeans’ Hanni, and Chinese actress Yang Mi have all been photographed with their Labubu collections. Additionally, global superstars Dua Lipa and Rihanna have embraced these quirky figurines, adding significant star power to a growing movement.
This celebrity influence transformed Labubu from a specialty collectible to a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Athletes like Ionescu and Stewart are extending that reach into professional sports, creating new opportunities for cultural crossover.
Why Are Ionescu and Stewart Perfect Ambassadors for This Trend?
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for these two Liberty stars to champion this movement. Ionescu recently secured her second 3-point contest title during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend, proving once again that she sets trends both on and off the court.
Her dominant 30-point final round performance made history in multiple ways. She became only the second WNBA player to win the contest twice, joining Allie Quigley in that exclusive club. Furthermore, she now holds the two highest-scoring rounds in WNBA 3-point contest history, cementing her reputation as an elite shooter and cultural influencer.
Stewart brings different but equally compelling credentials to this partnership. As a seven-time All-Star and perennial MVP contender, she remains one of the league’s most recognizable ambassadors. Her endorsement of the Labubu trend carries significant weight, particularly as women athletes increasingly shape cultural conversations beyond their primary sports.
