Kelsey Plum was not able to gift Los Angeles Sparks guard Sarah Ashlee Barker with a new pair of her own sneakers so Sabrina Ionescu stepped up to make it happen. She helped the rookie to navigate the WNBA’s rules on sponsorship even though they are on different teams.
I have to admit that it is pretty awesome how it all came together!
Plum joined the Under Armour roster in 2022. The two-time WNBA champion wears only UA gear and shoes in public, at home, during workouts and on the court. Her exclusive Breakthru 5 PE colorway debuted last season. The same cannot be said for her new rookie teammate, Sarah Ashlee Barker.
Nike partnered with the highest level of women’s professional basketball at its inception. It has been the WNBA’s exclusive uniform and apparel provider since 1997. Both sides agreed to a 12-year extension in October, which will run through 2037. Every single player in the league is required to wear the Swoosh as part of that agreement — unless they are actively signed with a different shoe brand, like Plum.
Barker does not have a shoe deal so she can only wear Nike shoes when on the hardwood.
With that being the rule, Kelsey Plum could not hook her up with a new set of Under Armour kicks during training camp. The 30-year-old noticed the 23-year-old was in need of new sneakers and would’ve “had her laced a loooong time ago” if not for the “stupid WNBA rule.”
Here is where Sabrina Ionescu comes into the equation. Sarah Ashlee Barker wore Sabrina’s signature shoes from they were first released on Sept. 1, 2023 until now. Plum wanted to help her get a new pair so she went straight to the source. Ionescu came through in a big way and delivered six different colorways!
Plum was grateful for whatever her Olympic teammate could do but, as a Washington alum, she asked to avoid Oregon colors. Ionescu obliged to the request.
Ashlee Barker makes more than enough money to buy a new pair of shoes but the Sabrinas are a hot commodity and hard to get. No worries! Sabrina Ionescu herself made sure she got what she needed. Kelsey Plum would’ve had her in a pair of Under Armour sneakers sooner if not for WNBA rules.