Sabrina Ionescu sidelined from Unrivaled's second season, but remains vital off-court as the league navigates star absences.
Sabrina Ionescu’s absence will loom large over Unrivaled’s second season, even as the league presses forward with its ambitious vision for women’s professional basketball.
The 3-on-3 league announced Thursday that Sabrina Ionescu will not participate in on-court action during its second season due to an injury sustained during the WNBA campaign. Unrivaled opened its new season earlier this week, but one of its most recognizable stars will now remain on the sidelines.
Although Ionescu will not play, the league said she will stay actively involved through off-court initiatives, partnership work and select media roles, including appearances tied to Unrivaled’s national broadcast coverage. The announcement underscored the league’s effort to keep its biggest names connected even when injuries prevent them from competing.
Ionescu was a central figure during Unrivaled’s inaugural season, suiting up for Phantom BC and helping legitimize the league’s early momentum. She averaged 18.2 points and seven rebounds while showcasing how established WNBA stars could translate their games to the faster, more space-oriented 3-on-3 format.
The injury removes a proven on-court draw from a league still in its formative stages, but Unrivaled emphasized continuity rather than absence in its messaging, highlighting Ionescu’s continued presence behind the scenes.
In a statement released by the league, Ionescu addressed her disappointment while reiterating her support for the project she helped elevate last season.
“I’m disappointed I couldn’t play this season,” Ionescu said. “I’ll be rooting for the Phantom.”
She also pointed to her expanded role away from the floor.
“I’m looking forward to working with Unrivaled through content and broadcast opportunities,” Ionescu said. “And continuing to support the league’s success.”
Ionescu now joins another marquee name who will miss the season. Napheesa Collier, a co-founder of Unrivaled and the league’s 2025 MVP, has also been ruled out after being scheduled for surgery on both ankles. Collier is expected to be sidelined for four to six months, further thinning the star power available for opening weeks.
The dual absences underscore the physical toll carried over from the WNBA season and the challenge of building an offseason league that still relies heavily on active professional players. At the same time, Unrivaled has positioned itself as flexible by allowing injured stars to remain visible through storytelling, media and commercial efforts rather than disappearing entirely.
Unrivaled officials reiterated that Ionescu’s injury was sustained during the WNBA season and that her long-term health remains the priority. No timetable was provided for her return to full basketball activities.
Ionescu remains a cornerstone of the New York Liberty, and her involvement with Unrivaled off the court reflects the league’s broader strategy of leveraging star power across multiple platforms. Her media appearances will include work connected to TNT Sports, Unrivaled’s national broadcast partner.
As Unrivaled’s second season unfolds, the league will do so without two of its most prominent faces on the floor. Yet officials have framed the moment less as a setback and more as a test of sustainability — one that balances player health with long-term growth.
For now, Ionescu’s role shifts from creator on the court to advocate and ambassador off it, keeping her tied to a league she helped launch, even as she focuses on recovery.