Bay FC’s ownership group has added another prominent Bay Area athlete to its ranks.
Sabrina Ionescu, a native of Walnut Creek and graduate of Miramonte High in Orinda, is joining the second-year NWSL club as an investor and commercial advisor, the club announced on Monday morning.
Ionescu, a member of the New York Liberty, is a three-time WNBA All-Star, 2024 Olympic gold medalist and 2024 WNBA champion, among many other accolades in her decorated basketball career.
“I am excited to join Bay FC as an investor and commercial advisor for the latest NWSL team,” Ionescu said in a release. “I have full faith in the club’s vision and its potential to make a profound impact within and beyond women’s soccer. As someone with deep ties to the Bay Area, this opportunity holds even more significance, and I am truly honored to be a part of such a special endeavor to continue to grow women’s sports.”
Bay FC highlighted Ionescu’s unisex signature shoe collection with Nike as an example of her popularity and the sports business experience she brings to the table. Ionescu’s latest shoe, the Sabrina 2, became the most-worn current new basketball shoe across the NBA, the release said.
The club said Ionescu will act as a partner on commercial strategy in addition to her role as a part owner.
“Sabrina is the ultimate innovator and creates new pathways for aspiring and current professional athletes,” said Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart in the release. “Adding her passion and vision to what we are building at Bay FC will allow us to further disrupt the sports landscape. Her roots in the Bay Area and commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in women’s sports represents who we are at Bay FC. We look forward to partnering with her to continue reaching our goal of being a top global sports franchise.”
