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Sabrina Ionescu is a Global Sneaker Icon after Nike Asia Tour

WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu has officially taken the sneaker world by storm.

Pat Benson

Sabrina Ionescu has wrapped up her first-ever Nike Asia Tour.
Sabrina Ionescu has wrapped up her first-ever Nike Asia Tour. / Nike
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What is left for Sabrina Ionescu to accomplish in the sneaker industry? The New York Liberty guard already has one of the most popular sneakers in the WNBA, NBA, and NCAA. Not even the most popular men's basketball players can accomplish that, but Ionescu made it look easy.

Nike saw an opportunity to help elevate Ionescu to global popularity, and the move paid off. Earlier this week, Ionescu completed her historic Nike Asia Tour. The 27-year-old participated in a whirlwind tour that was met with unprecedented excitement from international basketball fans.

Ionescu visited Manila, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. At each stop, she dazzled fans with her skills and reminded young girls that they belong on the basketball court, too. Remember, "You can't win. So win."

By celebrating women's basketball on the global stage, Ionescu helped inspire the next wave of hoopers. Also, she solidified herself as a sneaker legend.

Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James all made the pilgrimage to Asia to represent Nike. Now, Ionescu is among the short list of athletes to earn the honor.

Fans can read an extensive behind-the-scenes breakdown of Ionescu's trip on the Nike website. Each step of the way, Ionescu met with young players, offered encouragement, and shared knowledge, proving that the game is for everyone.

As for sneakerheads, they will keep following Ionescu's every move as she has proven to have the hottest hoop shoe for two years running.

Ionescu's sophomore sneaker, the Nike Sabrina 2, launched last Summer and exceeded all of the lofty expectations. Ionescu wore it when she won gold in Paris and took home her first WNBA Championship.

Athletes and fans got in on the excitement as Nike released a never-ending supply of must-have colorways. Online shoppers can still choose from several styles of the Nike Sabrina 2 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

After completing her historic Nike Asia Tour, it is natural to look forward to the launch of the Nike Sabrina 3. Can Ionescu really complete a three-peat of hit sneakers?

We will not know until the shoes make their official debut, but it would be wise to follow Nike's move and bet on Ionescu shattering all records and expectations.

The WNBA regular season tips off on May 16, and the sneaker world can count on Ionescu building on her already legendary status.

More WNBA Sneakers News

Sabrina Ionescu names the one celebrity she wants to wear her Nike shoes.

Caitlin Clark shoots on a barn in Nike's new "Just Win" commercial.

Breanna Stewart unveils her fourth signature PUMA basketball shoe.

Angel Reese has signed a multi-year contract extension with Reebok that includes a signature sneaker.

The Nike A'One is dropping ahead of its official launch date this weekend.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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