Sabrina Ionescu Gets Signature Shoe with Nike
Progress may seem inevitable, but change requires boldness. Signature basketball shoes for WNBA players used to be a rarity, but it is becoming more common. Thanks to her standout performances, New York Liberty point guard Sabrina Ionescu is the next basketball player in line to get a signature shoe with Nike.
According to Sole Retriever, the Nike Sabrina 1 is launching in the fall of 2023 for $125. The report indicates several colorways are already scheduled to release through the holiday season. The names include 'Photon Dust,' 'White Black,' 'Oxygen Purple,' 'New York Liberty,' 'Light Bone Laser Orange,' and 'Medium Soft Pink.'
Ionescu's signature line is well-deserved. Not only was she a standout for the Oregon Ducks (Nike's flagship school and laboratory for all things cool), but she has lived up to the hype of a top draft pick.
After suffering an injury in her rookie season, Ionescu bounced back in her second year before exploding in her third year in the league. During last season, Ionescu averaged 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Ionescu was selected for the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game and named to the All-WNBA Second Team.
Sabrina Ionescu dribbles the basketball.
© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Not only does Ionescu handle her business on the court, but she looks stylish while doing it. Ionescu, an acolyte of the late-great Kobe Bryant, has hooped in several rare shoes from the Nike Kobe line since entering the league in 2020.
Even better for the women's game and the sneaker industry, Ionescu is not the only player with a signature line. Earlier this year, Nike launched Elena Delle Donne's signature line with the most inclusive basketball shoe ever created.
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart's first shoe with Puma also hit shelves this past summer. Las Vegas Aces forward Candace Parker has had multiple shoes with adidas. Also, Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum recently signed with Under Armour and could have a signature line in the future.
All these players stand out on the shoulders of the trailblazers who paved the way for women's performance footwear. Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Cynthia Cooper, Nikki McCray, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Diana Taurasi all deserve their flowers every time a WNBA player gets a signature basketball shoe.
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