New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu won’t be available for Unrivaled’s 2026 season.
A 3v3 women’s basketball league started by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled kicked off operations in 2025. Inviting fans with a new format and limited players, players like Ionescu made the league popular — ultimately hoping for a bigger turnout in 2026.
NY Liberty Star Sabrina Ionescu Won’t be a Part of Unrivaled’s 2026 Season
As mentioned, Ionescu won’t be playing in the Unrivaled’s 2026 season.
According to reports, Ionescu will sit out the 2026 season due to an injury she sustained during the 2025 WNBA season. The news was confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 8 — three days after the league began on Jan. 5.
However, being sidelined doesn’t mean Ionescu won’t be involved in other Unrivaled-related activities. Per reports, the 28-year-old player will be an active participant in off-court events and other related partnerships.
“While I’m disappointed I couldn’t play this season, I’ll be rooting for the Phantom,” Ionescu explained. “I’m looking forward to working with Unrivaled through content and broadcast opportunities and continuing to support the league’s success.”
If she were active, the four-time WNBA All-Star would have been a part of the Phantom BC, where she averaged 18.2 points and seven rebounds.
Having said that, the exact nature and recovery time for Ionescu’s injury haven’t been revealed. However, considering she’s missing the entirety of the season, the injury must be severe enough for Ionescu to take her time with recovery and rehab.
Interestingly, Ionescu missed her last six WNBA games with multiple injuries. She suffered from neck issues and a left foot injury.
But while Ionescu will be sidelined, Dallas Wings star rookie Paige Bueckers will be playing her first Unrivaled season. Collier herself is ruled out for over four months as she’ll be undergoing surgery on both her ankles.
Ionescu was averaging 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 steals last WNBA season while shooting 40.1% from the field.
Kelsey Plum, Satou Sabally, Aliyah Boston, Dana Evans, Natasha Cloud, and Kiki Iriafen are other players on the Phantom BC roster this year.
How Long Does the Unrivaled League Go on For?
Starting on Jan. 5, the Unrivaled will run until its championship game in March.
Previously started with six teams, the Unrivaled introduced two new teams — Breeze BC and Hive BC — for the 2026 season. Of course, this allows more players to sign up after the 2025 WNBA season ended, while also bringing in more fans.
Every team has six to seven players on its roster. Additionally, the team is currently valued at $340 million and has expanded to eight teams a year ahead of schedule.