Liberty Star Sabrina Ionescu Might Be Unavailable to Start WNBA Season
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered a left ankle injury during a preseason game and is awaiting MRI results to determine her availability for the start of the 2026 WNBA season. The injury occurred when she landed awkwardly after a drive, prompting her to leave the game immediately. Ionescu previously missed most of her rookie season due to a severe ankle sprain, but has been durable since her recovery.
- ▪Sabrina Ionescu rolled her left ankle during a preseason game against the Connecticut Sun.
- ▪Ionescu wore a boot postgame and is scheduled to undergo an MRI to assess the injury.
- ▪The New York Liberty re-signed Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and added Satou Sabally in free agency.
- ▪Head coach Chris DeMarco described Ionescu's outlook as 'positive' but emphasized that details await MRI results.
- ▪The Liberty will open the 2026 regular season on May 8 against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The New York Liberty are the odds-on favorite to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.The Liberty leapfrogged the Las Vegas Aces, the reigning champions and winners of three of the past four championships, after going all-in during free agency last month. Not only did the Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu to retain the "Big 3" that won the franchise's first WNBA title in 2024, but they also signed three-time All-Star forward Satou Sabally to form a "Big 4." On paper, the Liberty are neck-and-neck with the Aces as top-tier contenders.
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