Nike has introduced WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu as its newest signature athlete and has named a unique shoe—the Sabrina 1—after her as well as dedicating an apparel collection inspired by the basketball player.
She has joined a growing group of women athletes who have partnered with Nike and developed signature collections, which include the likes of Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Naomi Osaka.
Ionescu’s first signature apparel collection will have a focus on gender-neutral performances along with lifestyle pieces. The collection includes tees, shorts, a hoodie and a cross-body bag and launches in adult sizing, said Nike in a press release.
Nike has also made a special innovation for basketball players in its Nike Unicorn Sock which uses Dri-FIT ADV materials. The sock is made with at least 80 per cent recycled materials and is present in Nike’s most advanced apparel collections. The sock is designed to provide cushioning, traction, compression and Achilles support for explosive movements.
Nike designers focused on increasing comfort and support for Sabrina 1. The shoe features full-length Nike React cushioning and a top-loaded Nike Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. Helping players stay balanced with a stabilising shank in the midfoot, the shoe’s combination of materials provides energy and responsiveness.
The shoe has also been inspired by the Romanian heritage of Ionescu and pays homage to traditional Romanian art and architecture. The shoe has a wraparound detail of an ‘i’ which pays respect to the basketball player’s last name with a vertically slanted swoosh on the medial side representing the barriers that Ionescu has broken throughout her career. The shoe also contains a hidden ‘Anyone, Anywhere’ quote serving as a reference to Ionescu’s competitive spirit and belief that dreamers can come from anywhere.
“Ionescu is the first women’s basketball player to deliver a unisex signature collection with Nike, Inc,” said Kerry Sobol, VP global women’s team and organised sports. “We are thrilled she will lead the charge with us and continue to change the scope of the game for future generations.”
The Sabrina 1 and signature apparel collection will be released later this summer on Nike’s website and select retailers.
