The past year for Sabrina Ionescu has been akin to a blockbuster film.
In February, she dazzled the NBA All-Star stage in a 3-point shootout against her idol and friend Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. In June, the Sabrina 2 shoes were released, the second iteration of her signature Nike shoe — adored by male and female basketball players alike. In August, she clinched a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Come October, she secured a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty, including a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 3.
Now, she has ventured into team ownership. Ionescu has joined as an investor in Bay FC, the NWSL franchise in her hometown.
“It feels like just yesterday I was in high school, playing in that community,” Ionescu shared with The Athletic. “Reflecting on how young I am and how rapidly everything has unfolded is pretty mind-blowing. Being involved in the business aspect at such an early stage sets a solid foundation for the future.
“The opportunity to influence a franchise is surreal to me. It’s almost like a dream come true and incredibly humbling.”
Given her roots, Ionescu’s investment in Bay FC is a natural fit. She is a Bay Area native, a standout from Miramonte High School, and a potential future face of the Golden State Valkyries.
Ionescu also assumes the role of Bay FC’s official commercial advisor, leveraging her standing in the modern sports and business arena that prioritizes women’s inclusion. Her hands-on approach in maximizing Bay FC’s potential is a significant win for the NWSL squad.
Loyal to the soil.
We’re excited to welcome 2024 WNBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, 3x WNBA All-Star, and the Bay’s own, @sabrina_i20 to the family as Investor & Commercial Advisor.
: #BayFC x #BayAreaUnite pic.twitter.com/RdsCcQVaFD
— Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) March 3, 2025
The synergy between Ionescu and Bay FC symbolizes the evolution of the Bay Area sports landscape. With established teams like Bay FC, upcoming Valkyries, and the burgeoning Oakland Soul, the region is showcasing the potential for women’s sports.
Bay FC, boasting an NWSL record for wins by an expansion club, has seen remarkable success in ticket revenue and merchandise sales. With a sold-out home opener and a promising trajectory, the team’s growth is undeniable.
“It’s been incredible to witness,” Ionescu remarked. “As a native of the Bay Area, seeing the surge in season ticket sales and the massive turnout at the home opener was mind-blowing. It’s a testament to the demand for women’s sports in the Bay Area.”
Ionescu’s involvement, alongside notable figures like Andre Iguodala and Manu Ginobili, underscores the growth prospects for Bay FC. She represents a new generation of leadership, transitioning from a college basketball phenom to a prominent figure in the sports industry.
Known as the first female basketball player with a unisex signature line from Nike, Ionescu’s impact extends across the NBA, while receiving guidance from the late Kobe Bryant.
“Having someone like Sabrina attracts more attention,” noted Jen Millet, Bay FC’s COO. “It signifies the growing significance of women’s sports. This is a major win as she enters her prime and aligns with our upward trajectory.”
This marks just the start of Ionescu’s influence in the Bay Area. She is poised to become a fixture, with deep community ties, Curry as a role model, and the Bay FC’s Founding Four as collaborators. And perhaps, in the future, she may call Chase Center her home, as an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming WNBA season.
“Seeing 18,000 people at the home opener was insane,” Sabrina Ionescu said of Bay FC’s debut last March. “… you really understand how many people really want to watch women’s sports.” (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images)
Ionescu is shifting the narrative, emphasizing skills over identity and amplifying the quality of women’s sports.
She plays a pivotal role in Bay FC’s potential, with brands now investing in women’s sports based on its promise rather than mere appearances. Ionescu’s legacy in the Bay Area includes reshaping this narrative to acknowledge excellence on the court.
“It’s rewarding to witness the shift in perception,” Ionescu expressed. “These milestones are monumental in fostering equality in sports, irrespective of gender. We’re at a critical juncture in pushing for equitable salaries, respect, viewership, and sponsorships.”
While Ionescu has yet to debut at San Jose’s PayPal Park, her presence will be felt when Bay FC kicks off its 2025 NWSL season. Officially on board as an investor and VIP, she proudly wears the coveted BayFC jacket.
“I’ve got my jacket, of course,” she exclaimed. “You know I got one.”
(Top photo of Sabrina Ionescu during the New York Liberty’s WNBA championship parade in October: Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)