Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu eyes a New York return, discusses player empowerment, and navigating critical CBA talks.
With the WNBA offseason clouded by uncertainty surrounding collective bargaining negotiations and a massive free agency class looming, Sabrina Ionescu finds herself at the center of several important conversations shaping the league’s future.
But despite being one of the biggest names headed toward free agency, the New York Liberty star made it clear that leaving the franchise isn’t something currently on her mind.
“It’s always the goal to try to play for the same team as long as you can,” Ionescu said in an interview with Bleacher Report. “For me, getting drafted and being the franchise player in New York has always been something I’ve really cherished and honored. I don’t think I’ll be really busy in this free agency period since New York is home.”
Ionescu has become one of the defining faces of the Liberty since arriving as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. Through six seasons, she has built a decorated résumé that includes four All-Star appearances, four All-WNBA selections, and a championship after helping lead New York to the 2024 WNBA title.
Her importance to the franchise has been undeniable, highlighted by the dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer she hit in Game 3 of the 2024 Finals, a moment that further cemented her place in Liberty history.
Still, much of the league’s offseason activity remains on hold as the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association continue negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement.
The talks, however, have stretched for months, with both sides recently exchanging proposals after the league’s March 10 target date passed without a finalized deal.
“This is my first CBA negotiation since it was already done when I arrived in the league,” Ionescu said. “I’m learning a lot and understanding how we can use our voice as players who have the opportunity to fight for what we believe in and pave the way for the next generation.”
While there is optimism that an agreement will eventually be reached, Ionescu acknowledged the process requires patience.
“A deal will get done at some point, just like it does in every other league,” she said. “Sometimes it just takes time and back-and-forth.”
Outside the negotiations, Ionescu has been focused on getting fully healthy after missing the second season of Unrivaled, the offseason three-on-three league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The Liberty guard previously played in the league’s inaugural season but chose to sit out this year while recovering from an injury suffered during the WNBA season.
“I’m feeling really good — back to 100 percent,” she said. “Being able to take that time to rehab and focus on my body helped me take care of what I needed.”
Even from the sidelines, Ionescu watched Unrivaled continue to grow in its second year, expanding with additional teams and hosting a record-setting tour stop in Philadelphia that drew more than 21,000 fans.
“It’s been amazing and why I wanted to be a part of Unrivaled from Year 1,” she said. “I understand the importance of investment in us as athletes while continuing to grow our sport.”
As the league waits for clarity on the new CBA and the free agency period ahead, Ionescu remains focused on what has already worked for her career — building something long-term in New York while continuing to push women’s basketball forward.