Imagine being a rookie in your sport, being able to walk on the court dreaming of one day making a name for yourself. Now, imagine not only achieving that goal but also surpassing some legends along the way. That’s what Sabrina Ionescu, the WNBA’s rising star has done. She’s sweeping the courts and the business world, not only as a player but a great businesswoman– beating none other than Michael Jordan while she’s at it.
Ionescu’s journey began in 2020. Following her Nike partnership with the release of her first signature sneaker, the Nike Sabrina 1. However, it was Ionescu’s second offering, the Nike Sabrina 2, that caused a buzz as it rapidly became the most worn sneaker model in the NBA, overshadowing some of the game’s biggest names.
By March 2025, the Sabrina 2 had surpassed the prestigious Air Jordan 39 and KD 17 in terms of on-court frequency. A crazy feat for an athlete who doesn’t even play in the league, right?
Her success isn’t limited to just her shoes, either. Sabrina has also partnered up with Titan 22. A Filipino retailer that’s popular amongst snakeheads in the Philippines for the Titan x Nike Sabrina 2. The collaboration, which promises to make a splash internationally, will launch in March 2025. Releasing on March 11 – TITAN and NBA store Philippines, March 15 – Guangzhou and Hong Kong, March 22 – Globally. This special edition sneaker will feature bold, eye-catching details and colors that reflect Ionescu’s character.
For Ionescu, it is not only essential to sell sneakers but to empower all who buy and wear them. “When anyone picks up this shoe, I just want to give them hope on being able to accomplish whatever it is they want to do, whether it’s on the court or off the court,” Sabrina says. So, let’s talk about the impact she’s been making.
Sabrina Ionescu’s sneakers rocking NBA
Michael Jordan may still hold the undisputed G.O.A.T. title, with his six NBA championships and sneaker legacy etched out by his Air Jordan brand, but Ionescu is already making her mark. Her Sabrina 2 sneakers have been worn for at least 4,900 minutes in NBA locker rooms this past month. And Ionescu plays in the WNBA, not the NBA.
Interestingly enough, Sabrina’s deal follows in the footsteps of NBA billionaires like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Who have leveraged their playing days into lucrative off-court businesses? Success isn’t just a matter of on-court accomplishment, rather it comes down to making the right partnerships, understanding the market, and taking actions that go further than player branding. By prioritizing Titan 22, Sabrina is already thinking globally, and it’s surely working.
But wait, that’s not all. She will also be embarking on an Asia tour, where she’ll meet her young basketball fans and promote women’s sports. It’s a suitable add-on for her mission to show that anything is possible if you work hard and are surrounded by the right people. Her shoes, her partnerships, and her initiatives worldwide all work together to accomplish this—to inspire the next generation of athletes and make sports more inclusive and accessible.
In a basketball world dominated by Michael Jordan’s name, Sabrina Ionescu is rewriting the sneakers-to-business playbook, proving that being a successful athlete in today’s sports landscape is a whole new ball game. She might be following in the footsteps of legends, but she’s creating her legacy—and she’s just getting started. On the court and in the board room, Sabrina’s taking names, and the world’s paying attention.
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