Jun 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) dribbles against Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa (9) and Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The WNBA’s 2026 campaign starts on Friday, but the New York Liberty will be without their superstar guard for their season opener against the Connecticut Sun.
As first reported by The Athletic, All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a left foot injury she sustained in the team’s preseason finale against the Sun. An MRI revealed that Ionescu avoided a “significant” injury.
She will be reevaluated in two weeks, as the injury occurred three minutes into the third quarter of the 79-67 preseason win over Connecticut. After coming off a screen, Ionescu attempted to drive past a defender in the paint before going for a reverse layup. Her left ankle rolled, and she landed awkwardly on the hardwood.
Ionescu remained on the ground before getting up and heading to the locker room. She was ruled out for the rest of that game and seen leaving the area wearing a walking boot on her left foot.
Injuries rattled New York’s 2025 season, limiting its starting five to only playing 12 games together. Breanna Stewart missed 13 regular-season games due to a knee injury, and Jonquel Jones missed the same amount of time with an ankle issue.
Ionescu missed six games last year because of a neck injury. She will miss at least three games in addition to the home opener against Connecticut.
This presents newly hired head coach Chris DeMarco with an immediate challenge of getting the team off to a strong start during a three-game road trip. He will need to get the most out of Stewart and Jones, who averaged 18.3 points and 13.6 points per game last season.
For more on Sabrian Ionescu and the Liberty, visit AMNY.com
