Sabrina Ionescu Out for 2026 Unrivaled Season Due to Injury

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu has been ruled out of the 2026 season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 women's basketball league due to an injury sustained during the 2025 WNBA campaign, the league announced Thursday. The four-time All-Star, who played for Phantom BC in Unrivaled's inaugural season, will not participate in on-court activities but plans to remain involved through off-court roles.

The announcement came three days after Unrivaled tipped off its second season on Monday in Medley, Florida. This year's campaign features eight teams, including newcomers Hive and Breeze, and runs through the championship on March 4. Ionescu's absence was initially noted when her name did not appear on the list of returning players released earlier in the offseason. Speculation arose briefly after Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally was sidelined by concussion symptoms, creating a potential roster spot, but the league confirmed Ionescu would not join.

Details of Ionescu's injury were not disclosed publicly, though officials indicated no surgery is required. She missed six regular-season games with the Liberty last year due to neck tightness and a left foot issue but started 38 contests,...