NEW YORK — Sabrina Ionescu and Nyara Sabally are set to return to their alma mater when the New York Liberty take on a Japanese league team in a preseason match in Oregon on May 12. The exciting game will be held at the familiar grounds of Matthew Knight Arena, where the two stars once dazzled during their college basketball days.
All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu expressed her eagerness to step back onto the court in Eugene, sharing that she has exciting plans for her teammates—both past and present—as well as the Oregon women’s basketball fans and the Eugene community. “I can’t wait to get back on the court in Eugene with the New York Liberty at Matthew Knight Arena,” Ionescu enthused. “I’ve got some great things in store throughout the weekend for my teammates: past and present, Oregon women’s basketball fans, the Eugene community, and the SI20 Foundation. Sco Ducks Forever!”
In addition to the game, Ionescu will spearhead team activities and engage in community events over the weekend, further strengthening the bond with her college roots.
The decision to bring the New York Liberty to Oregon aligns with the team’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with their athletes, according to Jonathan Kolb, the general manager of the Liberty. “As a player-first organization, we strive to be as collaborative and innovative with our athletes as possible,” Kolb noted. “Bringing New York Liberty basketball to Eugene with two program greats, Sabrina and Nyara, was a natural next step coming off our franchise’s first championship. We would like to thank the University of Oregon Athletic Department and the Toyota Antelopes for their partnership in bringing this vision to life.”
Nyara Sabally also shared her excitement about the opportunity to compete once more at her beloved Oregon. She never anticipated another chance to play on that court in front of the loyal Duck fans. “I am super excited to have this preseason game in Eugene,” she commented. “I never thought I was going to be able to play on that court and in front of our amazing Duck fans again. I know Oregon is going to show out and it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere.”
This event marks the latest in a series of WNBA franchises opting to play preseason games on the college homecourt of their star players. Indiana, for instance, is set to play at Iowa for Caitlin Clark, while Chicago will make an appearance at LSU for Angel Reese.
The New York Liberty kick off their regular season against Las Vegas on May 17. Prior to that, another exhibition match is slated against Connecticut at their home venue on May 9.
