Inside Sabrina Ionescu’s Trailblazing Tour Through Asia
- March 21, 2025
Sabrina Ionescu is no stranger to breaking barriers. From shattering records as the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles to becoming a face of the next generation of women’s basketball, she’s made a career out of excellence and expanding the limits of the game. Now, as a Nike signature athlete, she’s embarked on her first signature athlete tour through Asia.
For a week, she traveled through Manila, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, showcasing her skills and reminding young girls that they belong on the court too. By celebrating women’s basketball, Sabrina has helped inspire the next wave of hoopers — meeting and encouraging young players, sharing knowledge and proving that the game is for everyone.
Here, go behind the scenes, seeing the events through Sabrina’s eyes: the moments of awe, connection and inspiration as she immerses herself in global youth basketball culture.
The first three days in the Philippines included stops at the House of Sabrina pop-up store at Nike Fort, skills camps, a panel talk with the TITAN community for a special Sabrina 2 collaboration, an all-star exhibition game, and the reveal of two refreshed basketball courts at a local school.
The Courtyard is a Nike-powered community court that gives local hoopers an inclusive place to play. Since its August ’23 unveiling, it’s been rented out 365 days a year during every open hour.
This young hooper’s excitement for the skills camp led by Sabrina was infectious. He sank several three-pointers, highlighting the love Filipinos have for basketball.
“Being able to deep dive in the culture of basketball and seeing how much the country loves basketball, lives and breathes basketball — it was really inspiring to be a part of.”
“Whoa, that was crazy. That was the biggest billboard I’ve ever seen. Manila does it big!”
“[It was really fun to be] surrounded by such great people who love you and support you, and the feelings are definitely mutual.”
Araneta Coliseum has a deep sports history. Kobe made a tour stop here. The “Thrilla in Manila,” Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III, took place here. And now, Sabrina.
“Hearing the excitement and seeing the faces of a lot of the young girls who are just so excited to be there and enjoy a new basketball court — it’s definitely an experience that I’ll never forget.”
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The unveiling of Sacred Heart’s newly transformed courts — designed in collaboration with Filipina artist Jill Arteche — was a defining moment on the itinerary.
“The legacy that I want to share is for you to leave the game better than you found it. Continue to grow the game of basketball and just show up.”
March 13–15 in China included Sabrina stopping by a Sabrina 2 pop-up, leading an elite training session, joining a panel conversation with Chinese National Women’s Basketball Team Captain Yang Liwei and comedian Xiao Lu, and unveiling a new court designed to be a welcoming space for female players at Tianhe Court.
At the entrance to her Guangzhou pop-up, an original hand-painted mural by local artist Jason Deng captured six of the most iconic moments in Sabrina’s career.
Sabrina had a powerful conversation with Chinese National Women’s Basketball Team Captain Yang Liwei and comedian Xiao Lu about resilience, ambition and the drive to push women’s basketball forward.
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The last two days of the tour included a surprise drop-in at Fa Hui Park, visiting local schools and watching the girls and boys finals at the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Basketball Tournament.
A fierce moment at the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Yang Basketball Tournament.
For more behind-the-scenes content from Sabrina’s tour, check out Sabrina’s IG, @sabrina_i; photographer and videographer Brandon Todd’s, @branndannart; and @nikebasketball and @nikewomen.