Unrivaled announced Thursday that New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was ruled unable to participate in on-court activities during the 3-on-3 league’s second season because of an injury the four-time All-Star suffered during the WNBA season.
Ionescu played for Phantom BC in Unrivaled’s inaugural season and will remain involved off the court, per a league release, which noted that the standout guard is set to take part in initiatives and partnership opportunities, notably on-air appearances with TNT Sports.
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“While I’m disappointed I couldn’t play this season, I’ll be rooting for the Phantom,” Ionescu said, via the release. “I’m looking forward to working with Unrivaled through content and broadcast opportunities and continuing to support the league’s success.”
Ionescu was one of several Liberty players dealing with injuries this past season.
After starting the year 9-0, New York went 18-17 the rest of the regular season before ultimately losing a first-round winner-take-all Game 3 to the Phoenix Mercury, who eventually got swept in the WNBA Finals by the Las Vegas Aces.
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Missing center Jonquel Jones, a one-time league MVP and one-time WNBA Finals MVP, and forward Breanna Stewart, a two-time league MVP and two-time WNBA Finals MVP, for significant time was a significant blow to their frontcourt. Ionescu dealt with neck and toe injuries that sidelined her as well.
She played in 38 of the Liberty’s 44 regular-season games, averaging 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Her 29.9% clip from beyond the arc was a personal worst and far below her career average of 35%. That said, she still won the WNBA 3-Point Contest for the second time in three years.
A handful of marquee WNBA players who participated in Unrivaled last season aren’t playing in the league this time around, like Ionescu. Others include Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride and Aces guard Jewell Loyd.
Even so, the league is filled with big names. It tipped off on Monday while a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement is being negotiated ahead of the W’s 2026 season.
