- Nike is proud to introduce Sabrina Ionescu as the newest member of the Nike signature family.
- With a forthcoming signature apparel collection, accessories and the Sabrina 1, Ionescu and Nike Basketball are teaming up to create bigger change and redefine what it means to be a signature athlete.
- Ionescu’s first signature collection is unisex, leveraging insights from female and male athletes to inform product innovations that serve not just Ionescu, but all who love the game.
As the biggest champion for athletes and sport, Nike introduced Sabrina Ionescu as its newest signature athlete, delivering on its commitment to serve the next generation of hoopers and move the game forward both on and off the court.
“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 Organized Sports. “We are thrilled she will lead the charge with us and continue to change the scope of the game for future generations.”
Ionescu played an active role in creating her signature collection to serve all who love the game. She joins the growing team of women who have partnered with Nike to develop signature collections with deeper meaning, including Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka.
The Sabrina 1 is made to serve players like Ionescu who want to accelerate and cut with quickness on both sides of the floor and still feel fresh in the fourth quarter. To accomplish this, Nike designers focused on increasing comfort and support while keeping the shoe lightweight.
The shoe features full-length Nike React cushioning and a top-loaded Nike Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. This combination provides energy return and responsiveness, while a stabilizing shank in the midfoot helps players stay balanced. A midfoot band system and lockdown cables help the foot stay secure over the footbed.
Inspired by Ionescu’s national heritage, the intricate embroidery patterns on the Sabrina 1 forefoot and eye-stays pay homage to traditional Romanian art and architecture.
The shoe’s design is highlighted by a dotted “i” that wraps around the top and bottom outsole of the shoe. The wraparound detail ends in a dotted “i” on the heel — a detail that pays respect to her last name. On the medial side of the shoe, a vertically slanted Swoosh represents the barriers that Ionescu has broken throughout her career, and a hidden “Anyone, Anywhere” quote serves as reference to Ionescu’s unmatched competitive spirit as well as her belief that dreamers can come from anywhere.
With a focus on gender-neutral performance and lifestyle pieces, Ionescu’s first signature apparel collection launches in adult sizing and includes a hoodie, tees, shorts and a cross-body bag.
A special innovation comes through in one of the most important pieces of equipment for basketball players: game socks.
The Nike Unicorn sock is the first Nike sock to use Dri-FIT ADV materials, a technology seen in Nike’s most advanced apparel collections. Made with at least 80 percent recycled materials, the sock is designed to provide cushioning, compression, traction and Achilles support for explosive movements.
The Sabrina 1 and signature apparel collection release later this summer on nike.com and at select retailers.
