WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu married NFL offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu on 10 March 2024 in Laguna Beach, California, capping off a whirlwind year that saw her claim a WNBA title and cement her place as one of the league's brightest talents. The ceremony, attended by family, friends and sports icons, marked a new chapter for the New York Liberty guard. The couple's journey from college roots to sporting excellence highlights the key role of Ionescu's inner circle in her continued success.
Sabrina Ionescu and Hroniss Grasu's Wedding and Relationship Timeline
Sabrina Ionescu and Hroniss Grasu's paths first crossed at the University of Oregon, where both excelled in their respective sports. While Ionescu was making NCAA history on the basketball court, Grasu was building his professional football career, having been drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2015. Their shared background in elite athletics laid the foundation for a strong connection.
Grasu proposed to Ionescu in January 2023 during a photoshoot she believed was for GQ, catching her completely by surprise. Just over a year later, the couple tied the knot in a scenic ceremony in Laguna Beach, California. The wedding included a guest list of family members, Oregon alumni and sports luminaries such as Vanessa and Natalia Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash and Satou Sabally.
How Hroniss Grasu Supports Sabrina Ionescu's WNBA Journey
The couple's dynamic is anchored in mutual respect and shared ambition. Ionescu has spoken candidly about the importance of her relationship with Grasu, calling the wedding the 'highlight' of her offseason. Speaking to People, she revealed that they intentionally took time away from the spotlight, spending two weeks on honeymoon and visiting family, allowing her to recharge ahead of the WNBA season.
Grasu, who has most recently played for the Las Vegas Raiders, understands the demands of professional sport and has been a consistent presence in Ionescu's life. Their relationship provides emotional grounding, enabling her to maintain peak performance throughout the season.
Nyara Sabally, Sandy Brondello and the Key Figures Behind Sabrina Ionescu's Success
Beyond her marriage, Ionescu benefits from a strong support system that includes teammates and mentors. Chief among them is Nyara Sabally, her close friend and Liberty teammate, who also played alongside her at Oregon. The pair's chemistry both on and off the court has been instrumental in New York's recent successes.
Head coach Sandy Brondello has also played a pivotal role in guiding Ionescu's development at the professional level. Their familiarity and tactical alignment were further cemented when Brondello was named coach for Team Clark in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, reuniting with Ionescu under celebratory circumstances.
Ionescu's extended support network also includes former Oregon teammates like Satou Sabally and Ruthy Hebard, as well as the Bryant family, with whom she shares a lasting bond through her friendship with the late Kobe Bryant.
How Relationships Help Sabrina Ionescu Succeed On and Off the Court
Ionescu's stellar rise is not simply a product of athletic skill. It is bolstered by meaningful relationships, from her marriage to Hroniss Grasu to the mentorship and camaraderie she enjoys within her team and beyond. These bonds have created a stable personal environment that allows her to thrive on the court.
As she continues to lead the Liberty and represent the next generation of WNBA icons, it is clear that the MVPs behind Ionescu's success extend well beyond the hardwood.
