The WNBA stars are skipping one of the most anticipated offseason events. The reasons may surprise you
Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting offseason events in women’s basketball. With a $350,000 prize pool and a fast-paced format designed for intense matchups, the tournament promises to bring out the best in the WNBA’s top talent. But as the competition gears up for its February 10-14 run, two notable stars- Angel Reeseand Sabrina Ionescu-are missing from the lineup.
Their absence isn’t just about skipping another offseason event. This is a chance to go head-to-head with some of the league’s biggest names, settle debates about individual dominance, and walk away with serious cash. So why aren’t they in? The answers, while different for each player, highlight the balancing act WNBA stars face when it comes to rest, recovery, and staying sharp for the regular season.
For Ionescu, the decision is all about timing. The New York Liberty guard is still working her way back from thumb surgery after suffering a UCL tear during the WNBA Finals. While she’s cleared for basketball activities, she’s been vocal about the need to manage her workload. “This is the middle of our offseason, so there is a fine line between understanding you are here to get better and work,” she told ESPN. “But for me, I can’t be as intensely locked in as I am in the W. I’d be burned out by the time the W season starts.”
Beyond that, Ionescu has another major commitment on her calendar: the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco from February 13-16. With her hometown hosting one of the biggest basketball events of the year, it’s no surprise she’s prioritizing that over Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 showdown.
Reese’s absence still unclear before tournament starts
Reese’s situation is more of a mystery. The 22-year-old had a solid rookie season and is coming off wrist surgery, which could be a factor in her decision to sit out. While she hasn’t publicly commented on her absence, it wouldn’t be surprising if she’s focusing on her health and development before her sophomore WNBA season.
Meanwhile, the tournament will still be stacked with talent. Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Kahleah Copper are just a few of the stars set to compete, and the format-where even eliminated players can still root for their teammates to win prize money-adds a unique twist.
Unrivaled co-founder Alex Bazzell has made it clear that the league’s goal is to give WNBA players their best offseason experience yet. With or without Reese and Ionescu, the 1-on-1 tournament is shaping up to be an intense battle of skill, pride, and high stakes.
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