As new as the concept of the Unrivaled League is, you know what’s cooler? It’s the excitement of rivals becoming teammates and teammates turning into rivals in just two weeks from now. But the standout story has to be the reunions! And leading that hype train is none other than the Oregon Ducks’ dynamic duo, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally.

From 2017 to 2020, Ionescu and Sabally lit up the college basketball world together. They were the perfect 1-2 punch for the Ducks—Sabrina’s floor leadership and triple-double wizardry paired beautifully with Satou’s versatility and scoring prowess. Unfortunately, their storybook senior season got cut short thanks to the pandemic.

The pair went their separate ways in the 2020 WNBA Draft, with Ionescu going first overall to the New York Liberty and Sabally right behind her to the Dallas Wings. But the connection they built in college is still strong. And now, more than four years later, they’re back. Both players are suiting up for Phantom BC in Unrivaled’s inaugural season.

The reigning WNBA Champion has joined the league as a wildcard, making this reunion even sweeter for fans who’ve been waiting for them to share the court again. If fans are hyped, you can bet the players are just as pumped.

Ionescu took to Instagram during media day to share a touching moment with her college teammate, captioning a photo of the two hugging, “Back with my girly.” Sabally reposted it with white hearts. 

Meanwhile, with the Wings star set to hit free agency later this month, fans already dream that Ionescu might be working magic to bring her former running mate to the Liberty. Can you imagine them teaming up in the WNBA again? But as thrilling as it sounds, it’s next to impossible. 

And not to forget, Sabrina and Satou aren’t the only ones getting the gang back together in Unrivaled.

Unrivaled’s other iconic reunions

Take the Laces Club, for instance. The Laces Club team boasts three players from last season’s Aces squad: Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, and Kate Martin. Then, add Kayla McBride, who spent six years with the Aces.

Then there’s the Vinyl Club. This squad is mixing in some fresh vibes with old connections. Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada are bringing their Atlanta Dream chemistry, while Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell are reuniting from their time on the Sparks.  Also, the Mist Club. Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, who won two WNBA championships together with the Seattle Storm, are teaming up again. And they have Courtney Vandersloot, fresh off a title run with Stewart in New York.

Meanwhile, over at the Rose Club, Kahleah Copper and Azura Stevens are rekindling their Chicago Sky connection, while Chelsea Gray and Brittney Sykes are tapping into their Sparks history. And, obviously, the Lynx reunion has Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams after their WNBA Finals run.

So, mark your calendars for January 17 because Unrivaled is set to bring stories, reunions, and a whole lot of fun!

Even before the WNBA season begins, we’re getting a taste of what makes women’s basketball so special. And honestly, we’re so here for it!