Sabrina Ionescu has learned that there’s something special about firsts. Last offseason was full of them: Unrivaled, life as a champion, her first full offseason as a wife. This time, it’s a different kind of beautiful. Her first time as an unrestricted free agent, as a pro league investor, and now, she’s venturing into something that isn’t just a debut for her.

If you don’t quite remember, Ionescu made headlines back in March when she became an investor in Bay FC, the NWSL’s Bay Area club. But she didn’t just stop there. The Liberty star also joined the franchise as an official commercial advisor, a role that would see her helping shape the club’s marketing and partnership strategies. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, though. Ionescu had her eye on the franchise from the moment it launched in 2024. What began as a simple plan to invest soon evolved into a deeper commitment. She wanted to do more than just put money into the team.

And now, she’s got another opportunity to do just that. The National Women’s Soccer League recently brought together a group of athlete investors to form an advisory board aimed at driving new business opportunities and expanding the league’s reach. Representing Bay FC on that board are none other than Ionescu herself, alongside club co-founder Brandi Chastain. The board members primarily include current and former sports stars, such as Chris Paul, Sue Bird, Eli Manning, Grant Hill, Ken Griffey Jr., Lindsey Vonn, and Magic Johnson, as well as other notable celebrities. 

For Sabrina Ionescu, it’s the perfect chance to put her earlier words into action. “I want to invest, but I want it to be more than just transactional,” she had said. “I want to grow my relationship with the team and the players and be able to bring in the relationships that I have and what I’ve learned on the business side of things to help with their overall brand partnership strategy.” 

All this is happening while the Liberty are facing one of their most unpredictable offseasons yet. Every other WNBA team with a coaching vacancy: the Fire, Wings, Storm, and Tempo has already made its move. But New York’s still searching after parting ways with Sandy Brondello, who’s already found herself a new home. Plus, along with that, the Liberty’s free agency list looks pretty stacked (and scary for fans) this time: 

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• Kennedy Burke (unrestricted) 
• Natasha Cloud (unrestricted) 
• Sabrina Ionescu (unrestricted) 
• Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted) 
• Marine Johannes (reserved) 
• Jonquel Jones (unrestricted) 
• Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (suspended, contract expired) 
• Emma Meesseman (unrestricted) 
• Breanna Stewart (unrestricted)

GM Jonathan Kolb did say in his exit interview that he has “utmost confidence” that Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones will be back. But nothing’s a guarantee in free agency. Whether or not Sabrina returns to Brooklyn, one thing’s already clear… Ionescu’s offseason won’t be typically spent like the last one. 

Sabrina Ionescu won’t return for Unrivaled action

Sabrina Ionescu had the best year of her career in 2024, winning the WNBA championship and spending her time in Miami. But this year felt different for Sab. She was once again named an All-Star for the fourth straight year, finishing 10th in the league in scoring (18.2). But her three-point percentage dipped to a career-low 29.9%.

Her Liberty couldn’t defend its title this time around. But again, there was a ‘but.’ It all came down to injuries to their big three. Back in September, Ionescu injured her left toe in practice right after facing Connecticut. What started as a day-to-day status stretched into weeks of uncertainty. Though she eventually returned, it was clear she wasn’t fully healed.

So, it’s no surprise that Ionescu won’t be part of Unrivaled’s second season. And she’s not the only one sitting out. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, another Liberty star, also won’t return to the 3-on-3 league as she focuses on getting healthy for the 2026 WNBA season.

That leaves Breanna Stewart (despite a recent MCL issue) and Natasha Cloud as the only two Liberty players set to hit the Unrivaled court this offseason.