New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will be missing from the 2026 Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball season due to an injury she sustained during the WNBA campaign. The league confirmed on Thursday that Ionescu will not participate in any on-court activities this season, signaling a significant setback for fans eager to see her in action. Despite this, Ionescu’s presence in the league will remain strong through media appearances and off-court initiatives.
The four-time WNBA All-Star expressed her disappointment in a statement, revealing that although she is unable to compete, her support for the Phantom BC team remains unwavering. “While I’m disappointed I couldn’t play this season, I’ll be rooting for the Phantom,” Ionescu said. “I’m looking forward to working with Unrivaled through content and broadcast opportunities and continuing to support the league’s success.” Her words underline her dedication not only to her team but also to the growth of the league itself.
Phantom BC, Ionescu’s team in the Unrivaled league, is far from lacking talent. The roster features standout players such as Dana Evans, Kelsey Plum, Satou Sabally, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Cloud, Kiri Iriafen, and Tiffany Hayes, all under the guidance of coach Roneeka Hodges. Following a disappointing inaugural season in 2025 where the team finished last with a 4-10 record and missed the playoffs, Phantom BC is determined to make a stronger impact this year.
However, the season did not start on a positive note for Phantom BC, as they suffered a loss in their opener against the new franchise Breeze BC. Without Ionescu on the floor, the team faces the challenge of finding cohesion and scoring opportunities, but the combination of experienced players and rising stars gives them a fighting chance to rebound. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether they can secure their first win of the season.
Phantom BC will look to recover this Saturday when they face the Lunar Owls BC at Sephora Arena in Medley, Florida. While Ionescu will not be playing, her off-court contributions, including select appearances with TNT Sports, will continue to engage fans and highlight the league’s growing appeal. Her commitment to supporting Unrivaled beyond the court shows that even in absence, her influence on the game remains significant, keeping eyes on both her and the league throughout the 2026 season.
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