The WNBA offseason is hitting a different tune. CBA and Unrivalled league news are stealing the headlines, with one fighting for survival and the other making profits. WNBA and WNBPA are looking to iron out CBA terms while the Unrivalled recorded $45 million in profit. One player in both leagues, Sabrina Ionescu, also made headlines as she partners with Spanish giant Real Madrid and global health leader Abbott to grow soccer in the U.S.
Praising the sport, she mentioned that the sport even helped her become a better basketball player, leading her to stardom in the WNBA.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Soccer Roots In Her WNBA Career
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, the Spanish giants and Abbott collaborated with the Liberty superstar, creating awareness in the States. The USA also hosted the recent Copa America tournament.
“I come from a European household, so soccer was obviously always the number one sport that was on the TV,” Ionescu said. “My dad is still a huge soccer fan to this day. And then now, obviously, I played soccer when I was younger and just understood the importance of how soccer can just help you in your everyday life and as an athlete.”
“And I would say it’s helped me become a better basketball player. Like just understanding passing angles and the fitness that you have to have to play soccer is like none other,” the guard added.
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Returning to the basketball court, the player is one of the league’s top free agents and is looking to secure a lucrative deal.
Sabrina Ionescu Provides Her Free Agency Preference
Early in January, the WNBA and WNBPA reached an agreement on a free agency moratorium, suspending qualifying offers until a new CBA is in place. This puts many players without a team a month before the start of the season. The champion guard recently opened up on her preference.
“It’s always the goal, to try to play for the same team as long as you can,” she told Bleacher Report. “For me, getting drafted and being the franchise player in New York has always been something I’ve really cherished and honored. So I don’t think I’ll be really busy in this free agency period since New York is home, but I’m still excited to see how all of that shapes up.”
Breanna Stewart also expressed interest in re-signing with the Liberty, but as per current CBA discussions, the team could offer a max contract to only one player.