Walnut Creek, California native and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu is extending her influence beyond the basketball court, solidifying her commitment to elevating women’s sports. Her latest venture isn’t just a signature shoe – the Sabrina 3 – but a tangible representation of her investment in the future of female athletes, drawing inspiration from her partnership with Bay FC, the Bay Area’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise. The shoe’s design, incorporating poppy red and navy accents alongside a grey outsole, subtly nods to both the team’s colors and the iconic fog that often blankets the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ionescu, a three-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 WNBA Champion with the New York Liberty, officially joined Bay FC as an investor and commercial advisor in March 2025. This role sees her advising on commercial strategy and supporting Bay FC athletes in building their brand endorsements, a move that underscores her dedication to creating opportunities for women in sports. The connection between Ionescu’s personal brand and Bay FC is now visually represented in the design of the Sabrina 3.
Designed for Performance, Inspired by Partnership
The Sabrina 3 isn’t simply a cosmetic collaboration; it’s built with performance in mind. According to details released by Nike, the shoe features a “fully-fitted design” with strategically placed pilings creating channels for laces, enhancing stability. The combination of laces and pilings further secures the midfoot, providing a snug, sock-like fit. This attention to detail aims to maximize responsiveness and control on the court.
Central to the shoe’s performance is a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, designed to deliver quick responsiveness and enhance speed. The midsole incorporates two types of foam: Cushlon 3.0, providing a soft feel for comfort during extended play and a firmer foam that wraps the foot for added stability. A low-profile midsole allows for quicker turns and more agile movements, mirroring Ionescu’s own dynamic playing style. The outsole features a multi-directional traction pattern, providing grip for both straight-line speed and sharp cuts.
Beyond the technical specifications, the Sabrina 3 embodies Ionescu’s broader vision. She’s not just building a personal brand; she’s actively working to create a more equitable landscape for female athletes. Her previous signature shoe, the Sabrina 1, launched in 2023, and the subsequent Sabrina 2 in 2024, became the most-worn new basketball shoe across the NBA, demonstrating her growing influence and the appeal of her brand. This success paved the way for further investment in women’s sports, exemplified by her partnership with Bay FC.
Ionescu’s Expanding Role in Women’s Sports
Ionescu’s involvement with Bay FC extends beyond a financial investment. As a commercial advisor, she’s actively involved in shaping the club’s branding strategy and helping its athletes secure endorsement deals. This hands-on approach reflects her understanding of the challenges female athletes face in maximizing their earning potential and building sustainable careers. She has stated her belief in the club’s vision and its potential to have a “profound impact within and beyond women’s soccer.”
The launch of the Sabrina 3, isn’t just a product release; it’s a symbol of Ionescu’s commitment to using her platform to advocate for and invest in women’s sports. It’s a visible demonstration of her belief that female athletes deserve the same level of support and opportunity as their male counterparts. The shoe’s design, inspired by her work with Bay FC, serves as a constant reminder of this commitment.
Ionescu’s influence extends beyond basketball and soccer. She currently holds ambassadorships with brands like Body Armor, Fanatics, AT&T, and Michelob Ultra, further amplifying her reach and influence. Her ability to connect with a broad audience and her dedication to social responsibility make her a compelling figure in the world of sports and beyond.
As Ionescu prepares for the upcoming WNBA season with the New York Liberty, and Bay FC continues its second season in the NWSL, the Sabrina 3 stands as a testament to her multifaceted career and her unwavering commitment to growing the game for future generations of female athletes. The shoe is now available for purchase through Nike and select retailers.
Bay FC will continue its 2026 season with a home match against the Portland Thorns on April 12th. Ionescu is expected to be in attendance, further demonstrating her support for the club and its players.
Worth a look
