Latest news with #Sabrina2
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Sabrina Ionescu delivered a classy gift to rookie after Kelsey Plum request
Sabrina Ionescu delivered a classy gift to rookie after Kelsey Plum request Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum and New York Liberty guard Sabriona Ionescu are for the people. Plum, who was traded to the Sparks in the offseason, is finding her footing. After spending seven seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, everything's new, including many of her teammates. While many may think that means it takes time to develop chemistry and trust, it seems like Plum is already diving right in. She recently revealed an awesome sequence of events between her, Sparks rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker and Ionescu. "This is why the W is the best," Plum said before diving into an amazing and classy story. Here's how it went down. Barker was wearing shoes during training camp that were old and had been seemingly used a lot. "Yo, we gotta get you some new shoes," Plum said she told her rookie. Barker then explained that she had new kicks on the way, but they were still stuck in transit. Plum then asked the former Alabama guard what kind of shoes she would want to wear, and the rookie shared that she likes the line from Ionescu because of the grip. The veteran guard explains that she knows Ionescu and will ask her for some shoes in different colorways. Not only did Ionescu deliver, but she sent six pairs of her Nike signature shoes. Ionescu hooked Barker up with the latest versions of her Sabrina 2's and Plum couldn't help but be excited for her teammate. "Sab, thank you so much," Plum said. "These are fire!" How fantastic is that? We need more of this wholesome activity, please.
New York Times
03-03-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Sabrina Ionescu joins Bay FC ownership group: It's ‘like a pinch-me moment'
The last 12 months for Sabrina Ionescu have been like a movie. Last February, she lit up the NBA All-Star stage in a one-on-one 3-point shootout with her role model and friend Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. In June, the Sabrina 2 dropped, the second edition of her signature Nike shoe — embraced by men and women hoopers. In August, she won a gold medal in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In October, she won a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty, a run that included an epic game-winning 3-pointer in Game 3. Advertisement Now, she's a team owner. Ionescu is the latest investor in Bay FC, the NWSL's franchise in her home area. 'I feel like I was just in high school not that long ago, playing in that community,' Ionescu told The Athletic. 'When I sit back and think about how young I am and how fast everything has come, it is pretty crazy. Especially on this side of things, being an investor in a professional league. A lot of people do that so much later in their career. For me to be a part of the business side of things so early on, I think it kind of set me up for the future. 'Now being able to impact a franchise, that is pretty crazy to think about. It's kind of like a pinch-me moment and, obviously, very humbling.' Ionescu becoming an investor in Bay FC makes sense because of where she's from. The Bay Area's own. The pride of Miramonte High School. And, with apologies to the Liberty, the hope of many to be the near-future face of the new Golden State Valkyries. Ionescu is also taking on the role of Bay FC's official commercial advisor, which makes sense because of her place in this modern landscape of sports and business that's carving out space for women. Her desire to be hands-on with helping Bay FC maximize that potential is a coup for the Bay Area's 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. 📰: x #BayAreaUnite — Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) March 3, 2025 Conceptually, it's an ideal marriage. A Bay Area-bred superstar joining the Bay Area franchise in the mix of the changing landscape of Bay Area sports. With Bay FC established, the Valkyries coming, and even the Oakland Soul — of the USL W League — growing, this region is increasingly a flex of the viability of women's sports. Advertisement Bay FC — which set the NWSL record with 11 wins by an expansion club and made the playoffs in its inaugural season — finished top three in the league in ticket revenue and No. 1 in merchandise sales. After selling out the home opener last March, creating a moment in Bay Area history, it's been a steady uptick. 'It's been pretty cool to see,' Ionescu said, 'just being a Bay area native, seeing how many season tickets they've been selling. Seeing 18,000 people at the home opener was insane. So many things go on in the Bay area, so you really understand (that was a display of) how many people really want to watch women's sports.' Adding Ionescu to the ownership — along with Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Andrew Luck and Manu Ginobili — suggests the growth potential. A young pioneer is now in the mix. The college basketball phenom has turned into a big dog. Ionescu was the first women's basketball player to have a unisex signature collection with Nike. The Sabrina 2 became the most worn among current basketball shoes across the NBA. She was also mentored and validated by the late Kobe Bryant. 'Having someone like Sabrina brings more attention,' said Jen Millet, Bay FC's COO. 'It sends the message that this is a real thing. It's growing. It's significant. We're on a rocket ship. And if you get in now and you're a part of this, you're going to over-index. You're going to out-punch whatever your investment is right now. This is a big win. She's essentially entering her prime. She's youthful. She's on the upswing. We're on the upswing.' This is just the beginning of Ionescu's growing stature in the Bay Area. Ionescu is set up to be a pillar in these parts: with her strong roots in the community; with Curry as a role model; and now, with the Bay FC's Founding Four as her co-workers. And maybe one day — she's an unrestricted free agent after this WNBA season — calling Chase Center her home. Ionescu is bringing a different paradigm. One where ballers are ballers and sports are sports and where quality matters more than identity. It's been one of the elements bolstering the claims of Bay FC's potential. Brands that formerly just associated with women's sports for the sake of looking good no longer need to make those overtures. More and more, those who do invest in women's sports do so because they believe in its promise. Advertisement Part of Ionescu's Bay Area legacy will be helping shift that paradigm. To where game recognizes game. 'It's been fun to finally kind of see everyone else come along to seeing that as well,' Ionescu said. 'These are all such monumental moments in what now is taking place in the rest of society, of being able to give individuals their flowers no matter if it's a women's sport or not. There have been so many steps that people have taken and continuously take to create that equality amongst sports. It's fun to see the point that we're at now, but it's even more exciting to see where it's going. We're scratching the surface of where we want to go in terms of salary, respect, viewership and sponsorships.' Ionescu has yet to make her debut at San Jose's PayPal Park for a game. That will likely happen next month when Bay FC starts its 2025 NWSL campaign. But she's already official like a referee whistle. Stamped with the swaggiest seal. A letterman jacket, luxuriously thick. Navy blue like the peacoat of a longshoreman with white trim and a white Old English B on the left chest. And BayFC on the back. It's coveted merchandise in these parts. It's given exclusively to investors of the franchise and VIPs. Ionescu is both. 'Of course, I've got my jacket,' she beamed. '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)
Express Tribune
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
NikeSkims is the Collaboration That's Set to Redefine Athleisure - All You Need to Know (So far)
When the NikeSkims partnership was announced, it felt like the ultimate fusion of two powerhouse brands. SKIMS, with its transformative shapewear that redefined body confidence, is now teaming up with Nike, the global leader in athletic wear. With both brands having such a strong influence on modern fashion, it's no surprise this collaboration is poised to take the athleisure world by storm. The upcoming collection promises to blend Nike's performance-driven designs with SKIMS' signature style—comfort, confidence, and inclusivity—all rolled into one. SKIMS, led by Kim Kardashian, is more than just a shapewear brand—it's revolutionized how women think about their bodies. Instagram/ @kimkardashian The brand's focus on comfort, inclusivity, and making women feel confident in their own skin has turned it into a must-have for many. Whether you're a shapewear enthusiast or someone who's a bit skeptical of the category, SKIMS has managed to win over a wide audience, including those who might not be the biggest fans of Kim Kardashian herself. Her keen eye for design and relentless pursuit of making women feel empowered with every piece she creates has made SKIMS a household name. Instagram/ @kimkardashian And now, with NikeSkims, the two powerhouses are teaming up to create something even bigger. This collaboration is inspired by women athletes and those who lead active lifestyles. As Heidi O'Neill, President of Consumer, Product, and Brand at Nike, Inc., puts it: 'We're energized by the opportunity to build a new brand and shake things up for the next generation of athletes with NikeSkims.' She continues, 'This partnership brings together the best of both brands and unlocks an incredible opportunity to disrupt the industry with our shared passion and commitment to innovation. We will invite even more athletes into sport and movement with a product that makes them feel strong and sexy.' So, what's in the collection? A range of training apparel, footwear, and accessories designed with both performance and style in mind. The NikeSkims pieces will focus on making women feel confident and supported, whether they're in the gym, at a studio, or on the go. Think of shapewear-meets-sporty leggings, bras with the right support, and pieces that enhance the body's natural form. Oh, and of course, the collection will offer extended sizing, ensuring that women of all shapes and sizes feel included. Kim Kardashian reportedly dove deep into Nike's portfolio, including brands like Jordan, Converse, and ACG, to curate the collection. This partnership could bring us fashion-forward takes on Nike's beloved women's sportswear, possibly even including iconic styles like the Air Max Muse, Air Superfly, and Sabrina 2. Instagram/ @kimkardashian With this partnership, NikeSkims is poised to make waves in the athleisure world and beyond. We can't wait to see how these two powerhouse brands reshape the way we look at both performance wear and comfort.
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Skims and Nike have just unveiled an entirely new brand
Kim Kardashians' shapewear label Skims has built quite a reputation for mega collaborations. From the gloriously garish Dolce & Gabanna collection (think leopard print corsets and robes) to the recent skiwear line with The North Face (it sold out within hours, naturally), the brand is going from strength to strength. Now, the entrepreneur has revealed a 'long-term partnership' with Skims and Nike – but it's not merely another collaboration. This time, Kim K is taking it one step further by creating an entirely new brand with the legendary sports name. Announcing the new venture on Instagram, the post reads: 'Introducing NikeSKIMS. A new brand coming this spring for the body obsessed.' Blending Skims' signature form-fitting shapewear with Nike's advanced sports science innovation, the brand is 'designed to sculpt and engineered to perform.' While the powerhouse duo remains tight-lipped on the exact roster of products, we can expect an 'extensive line' of training apparel, footwear and accessories designed to meet the needs and preferences of female athletes. Aiming to inspire and empower women in the gym, studio, on the track or just in everyday life, the brands claim its premium quality and style-forward pieces will be available to all women through inclusive and extended sizing, too. 'Nike and SKIMS share a deep commitment to innovation, inclusivity and pushing boundaries, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of women,' says Kim Kardashian. 'This partnership is the culmination of that shared vision, delivering product that is meticulously designed to sculpt and perform for every body. Every single detail has been obsessed over and carefully considered. We're incredibly excited to unveil our first collection this spring.' From when it launches to the products we can expect to shop, here's everything you need to know about NikeSKIMS. When does NikeSKIMS launch? According to the Instagram announcement and website, the NikeSKIMS debut collection will launch in the US at select retail locations in the spring. The UK and elsewhere will have to wait a little longer, with global expansion stated for 2026. What will NikeSKIMS sell? The full product list remains under wraps, but the website states that the brand will sell an extensive line of training apparel, footwear and accessories. The website also states there will be extended sizing throughout the collection. We can also expect several fresh takes on classic Nike shoe styles like the air max muse and air superfly, as well as signature silhouettes like the A'One and Sabrina 2. As Skims are involved, there's guaranteed to be some sculpting and figure-contouring shapewear in the mix – perhaps in the brand's signature neutral tones, too. According to Heidi O'Neill, president of consumer, product and brand at Nike, the collection 'will invite even more athletes into sport and movement with product that makes them feel strong and sexy.' Similarly, the designs are said to be 'functional and flattering'. While the collection might not go as far as to be 'butt enhancing' (see Skims' latest viral launch), it is said to be high-performing for sports, using innovative technology and materials. If this winter's The North Face collab is anything to go by, get ready to shop NikeSKIMS when it launches in the spring.
