Sabrina Ionescu’s generous gesture comes after Kelsey Plum’s funny request

Endia Berger

Sabrina Ionescu’s generous gesture comes after Kelsey Plum’s funny request image

Sabrina Ionescu just did something really special after receiving a heartfelt request from Kelsey Plum. Plum asked Ionescu for a favor—to hook up one of her teammates with her signature shoes—and Ionescu went above and beyond.

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The rookie in question is Sarah Ashlee Barker, who was drafted ninth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. Plum had noticed Barker wearing Ionescu’s shoes during training camp, but they were clearly outdated.

Plum’s only playful request was that the shoes not feature the Oregon colorway—honoring Ionescu’s former college, where she made her name. But she joked that she’d make a little exception if the shoes were from the New York Liberty colorway, Ionescu’s current WNBA team.

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True to form, Ionescu didn’t disappoint. She gifted Barker several pairs of shoes in multiple colorways, ensuring her teammate had plenty of fresh options.

In a video Plum posted on social media to show her gratitude, she said, “This is why the W is the best.” It’s moments like these that highlight the incredible support and camaraderie among WNBA players—even across different teams and rivalries.

Endia Berger

Endia Berger is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. She has a rich background in sports media and journalism, contributing to TNT Sports, the NCAA, USA Football and more. With a deep passion for storytelling, she is committed to crafting stories that highlight the excitement and human elements of the games we love.