In women’s basketball, Unrivaled is the hottest topic of the offseason, and Sabrina Ionescu’s decision to join the highly anticipated 3-on-3 league has fans buzzing. The New York Liberty star’s participation seemed unlikely just a few months ago, making this announcement all the more surprising. However, it appears to come at a personal cost, as it breaks her earlier promise to prioritize time with her husband, NFL-free agent Hroniss Grasu.

Sabrina had been vocal about her offseason priorities, emphasizing how much she values the limited time she gets to spend with Grasu during the WNBA break. “I enjoy my time with my husband—the few months that I get with him in the offseason. So, as of now, I’m not really thinking about it too much,” she said earlier this year when asked about joining Unrivaled. But as plans often do, hers changed.

Meanwhile, Grasu finds himself in a transitional phase. After the Las Vegas Raiders chose not to renew his $1 million deal following the 2023 season, he’s currently a free agent, navigating the uncertainties of his next career move. While Grasu figures out his path forward, Ionescu seems focused on seizing new opportunities of her own.

The reigning WNBA Champion has claimed the final wild-card spot in Unrivaled and will suit up for Phantom Basketball Club. Joining forces with big names like Brittney Griner, Marina Mabrey, Katie Lou Samuelson, Natasha Cloud, and her former Oregon teammate, Satou Sabally, Ionescu adds even more firepower to an already stacked roster. With this lineup, Phantom BC is undoubtedly a team to watch in the league’s debut season.

And Ionescu has already had an amazing year behind her. She helped lead the Liberty to a WNBA championship, earning second-team All-WNBA honors and Olympic glory. Hope her luck shines in the newly founded league, too. And reportedly, she will earn higher than most of the athletes. 

When asked about joining the league, Sabrina summed it up perfectly, “It’s amazing to be part of this league right now, where we’re making change, and we’re able to see how it impacts lives, not only here but around the world.” Honestly, who wouldn’t want to root for her? 

Kelsey Plum bows Out, Sabrina Ionescu steps In

The Las Vegas Aces star decided to sit this one out, leaving a gap in the Unrivaled roster. She announced on Instagram that she needed some personal time this offseason and appreciated the league’s understanding. “I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best, and I’m excited to watch!”, she wrote.

Kelsey’s absence was a big loss for the league, especially with her slated to play for the Laces alongside stars like Kayla McBride and Alyssa Thomas. But her exit paved the way for Sabrina, whose late entry into the league has been a saving grace for fans hoping to see the biggest names in women’s basketball compete.

Breanna Stewart wasted no time rallying around. Earlier, she said, “I mean, I’m going to just keep telling Sab to come.” And now that her NY Liberty teammate is finally in, she hyped her up in the Unrivaled comments section with a simple but enthusiastic, “Yeah Sabby!!”

And while Kelsey’s decision to step back is totally valid, we can’t wait to see the Liberty guard play. Undoubtedly, Unrivaled is shaping up to be a league like no other. Eight weeks of intense, star-studded 3-on-3 action kicks off on January 17, 2024. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious to see how this new format shakes out, tune in!