Sabrina Ionescu's 'unprecedented' Unrivaled deal breaks all salary records: Reports

WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu has joined the Unrivaled League, ESPN confirmed on Monday, reporting she had an "unprecedented" contract with the league that "puts her in a category of her own." With her addition, the New York Liberty star wraps up the list of participants in the 3-on-3 basketball league as the 36th player.

According to reports, Ionescu will earn more than the league's other players. However, the league did not confirm how much the Liberty guard will earn.

Ionescu will join Napheesa Collier and her New York Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart, who is also a co-founder of the Unrivaled League. In addition to the compensation they agreed to when they joined the league, players will get equity.

The league had $35 million in funding, thanks to its investors. Warner Bros., Discovery, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Phelps, Dawn Staley and JuJu Watkins made investments. Their investments netted an annual salary of $8 million for all active players signed in the league.

The star guard came off a decent year during the 2024 WNBA season. Ionescu played 38 games, averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists. The All-Star shot 33.3% from beyond the arc, which ties her percentage during the 2022 season, the first season she made the All-Star team.

Additionally, she contributed a lot for the Liberty this season, helping the team win the WNBA title. Ionescu also participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, helping Team USA earn another gold medal in basketball.

Also read: Sabrina Ionescu hypes up 4x All-Pro's son over wearing her trendsetting shoes

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Sabrina Ionescu underwent thumb surgery this offseason

Sabrina Ionescu underwent right thumb surgery on Dec. 6 to stabilize her ulnar collateral ligament. The operating surgeon was Dr. Steven S. Shin. Since undergoing surgery, the All-Star guard has been ruled out of on-court activities for approximately four weeks.

According to ESPN, the guard sustained the injury during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx.

Ionescu posted an update on her procedure on her Instagram account, confirming her successful surgery.

"26, thank you ✨ Married my best friend, won a gold medal 🥇, and a WNBA championship 🏆 all in the same year. God is good. Beyond grateful for everything this year had to offer, and thankful for everyone a part of my circle🫶🏼 27… Let’s get it! ps: getting my thumb fixed was quite the bday present 👍🏼," Ionescu posted on Instagram.

Fortunately for Ionescu, the Unrivaled season won't start until Jan. 17.

Also read: Breanna Stewart hypes Sabrina Ionescu's Unrivaled wild-card entry in 2-words