Tissot is thrilled to announce the addition of New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, a figure synonymous with excellence in women's basketball, as its first WNBA athlete to become an International Brand Ambassador. From her beginnings as an ambitious young athlete to her current status as a trailblazing professional, Ionescu has navigated through injuries and set records, embodying the spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness against all odds. The Swiss brand and Ionescu aim to inspire and uplift future generations with this new shared journey, proving that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.

The Ascension of Sabrina Ionescu

Ionescu has carved out an illustrious path in women's basketball, from her high school days to her current prominence in the professional arena. Honoured as the Guard of the Year for three consecutive seasons as a top college player during her time at the University of Oregon, Ionescu’s collegiate career was a display of exceptional talent and achievement.

She became the first college athlete to surpass 2,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 rebounds. Drafted as the first overall pick by the Liberty in the 2020 WNBA Draft, Ionescu’s transition to professional basketball was marked by both challenges and triumphs. An early injury in her rookie season was a setback, but her resilience shone through in the 2021 season, where she made a remarkable comeback. Her prowess in scoring critical three-pointers and becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to score a triple-double, underscored her exceptional abilities.

The 2022 WNBA season marked another significant milestone, as she was selected to her first WNBA All-Star team. A year later, her second WNBA All-Star appearance was augmented by a spectacular win in the 3-point contest, where she set new records, surpassing previous WNBA and NBA achievements.

In the recent Stephen vs Sabrina event at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, Ionescu went head-to-head with one of the most renowned shooters in basketball history. She performed impressively, matching the highest single-round score of the NBA's 3-Point Contest with 26 points. Remarkably, this feat mirrored that of Damian Lillard, a fellow Tissot brand ambassador, who also scored 26 points to win the NBA 3-Point Contest earlier that same evening. Her performance highlighted her extraordinary talent and contributed to breaking down barriers between the NBA and WNBA, showcasing that skill transcends gender in the sport of basketball.

Beyond the Court

Ionescu’s work towards building a better tomorrow in the communities that shaped her has been made possible through her SI20 Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a mission of equipping youth from all backgrounds and skill levels with equitable access to sports. Ionescu’s childhood and young adulthood have taught her that sports create genuine connections and build stronger communities, and she has founded the SI20 Foundation in an effort to extend these opportunities to underprivileged youth. Her dedication mirrors our values, embodying a perfect synergy between her achievements and our principles.