words, photography & design // Nick DePaula
One year after being selected as the #1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, Sabrina Ionescu, the New York Liberty star, was dubbed “The Next Queen of NY” by SLAM in their Future Issue.
Following SLAM #231, two years later, Sabrina launched her own signature shoe with Nike, making her the 12th player in WNBA history to have a sneaker named after her. This achievement was both historic and forward-thinking.
Reflecting on the launch, Sabrina stated, “I know the numbers — only 11 players in 27 years have come before me. It’s one of the highest honors in our game and something beyond humbling to be a part of.”
This milestone elevated Ionescu’s starpower and impact on the game to new heights.
As an All-Star and All-WNBA PG for three consecutive seasons, Sabrina continues to lead a strong Liberty team aiming for the WNBA Finals once again this year.
Her debut signature shoe inspired players of all levels, fulfilling her vision of motivating “anyone, anywhere,” she had hoped for.
Reflecting on the success, Sabrina expressed, “It’s crazy to think about now, but the vision that Nike and I had together has really come to life.”
The anticipation for her second sneaker made it one of the most awaited models of the year, resonating with players of all backgrounds and positions, inspiring them as they laced up their Sabrinas.
Commenting on the impact, Sabrina mentioned, “That’s been something that we’ve been able to see happen, from NBA players to college players and now young boys. They’ll be able to put these shoes on and feel like they can go out and accomplish anything.”
Now in her fifth season, Sabrina faced high expectations with the release of her follow-up signature shoe, the Nike Sabrina 2.
The new model boasts a sleek silhouette, versatile color options, lighter weight, and a more responsive cushioning platform. The signature Swoosh placement from her first shoe returns, symbolizing her groundbreaking achievements.
SLAM collaborated with Nike to design a standout seafoam-colored Sabrina 2, emphasizing her impact in the sneaker industry.
With seafoam teal accents throughout the shoe, the SLAM x Sabrina 2 includes special details like SLAM’s logo on the heels and a nod to their 30th anniversary.
The Swoosh logos feature a mirror finish to inspire young players to see themselves in Sabrina’s journey.
Sabrina highlighted the importance of self-reflection in the design, stating, “My favorite detail is the Swoosh and being able to see your own reflection. I want everyone to see themselves, what it is that they want to create and what it is that they want to dream — to be able to go out and do that in my shoe.”
As SLAM commemorates 30 years, they look forward with the Sabrina 2 collaboration, symbolizing the future of the game and the inspiring journey paved by players like Sabrina Ionescu.
Emphasizing the significance of signature shoes in pushing the game forward, Sabrina stated, “But really, I think signature shoes like this can help continue to push the game forward, for all.”
With 30 years of impact and a Hall Of Fame induction, SLAM’s collaboration with Sabrina 2 looks forward to inspiring the next generation of basketball players.
