Sabrina Ionescu stands tall as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her journey, marked by record-breaking performances and a landmark three-point contest against NBA legend Stephen Curry, has propelled her to global fame. Since being drafted by the New York Liberty in 2020, Ionescu has not only dominated the court but has also built a formidable financial portfolio through savvy endorsements and investments.
Building a Multi-Million Dollar Empire
According to the latest figures from Forbes, Sabrina Ionescu's net worth is an impressive $6.3 million. This valuation earned her a spot on the prestigious Forbes list of the World's Highest Paid Female Athletes for 2025. Her earnings breakdown reveals a significant shift common among modern elite athletes: $0.5 million came from her on-court play, while a substantial $10 million was generated through off-court ventures.
Her contract with the New York Liberty forms the foundation of her playing income. In May 2023, Ionescu signed a two-year extension valued at $410,060. For the 2025 season, her base salary was $208,060, which positioned her among the top 15 highest-paid players in the WNBA, ranking just below fellow stars Kelsey Mitchell and Arike Ogunbowale.
Major Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures
The true engine behind Ionescu's wealth is her portfolio of endorsements and business interests. She made history by becoming the first female athlete to launch a unisex signature shoe with Nike, a line that has become ubiquitous in the WNBA. Her partnerships extend beyond sportswear, showcasing her diverse appeal.
She serves as the Global Ambassador for Ant International and the International Ambassador for Swiss watchmaker Tissot. Ionescu has also aligned with brands like Away (luggage) and Fanatics (sports merchandise), and holds an association with beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev. Demonstrating her business acumen, she has taken an ownership stake, becoming a part-owner of the National Women's Soccer League club Bay FC.
Early Life and Path to Stardom
Sabrina Ionescu was born on December 6, 1997, in Walnut Creek, California, and raised in a Romanian-speaking home. Her basketball journey began at age three. A significant early challenge came at Miramonte High School, which lacked enough players for a girls' team and wouldn't let her join the boys' squad. Undeterred, Ionescu personally recruited players to form her school's first women's basketball team.
She later shone at the University of Oregon, capping her college career by winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2020. Off the court, she is married to NFL player Hroniss Grasu; the couple got engaged in 2023 and married in March 2024.
A Career Packed with Accolades
Sabrina Ionescu's trophy cabinet is already overflowing. Her professional honours include being named a WNBA All-Star four times and selected to the All-WNBA Second Team on four occasions. The pinnacle of her team success came in 2024 when she led the New York Liberty to the WNBA championship. She was also instrumental in the team's victory in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest three-point shooters in basketball history, Ionescu's influence extends beyond statistics. She is widely credited with significantly boosting the popularity and visibility of women's basketball globally, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
