Ionescu said there’s no question the NBA has been instrumental for the WNBA — but the relationship is beneficial for both leagues. “They’re where we’re striving to be. I mean, those arenas fill up. Everyone’s watching those games, everyone’s buying those jerseys and buying those shoes, so I think the WNBA does need the NBA. But I think the roles can also be switched — I think the NBA needs the WNBA as well,” she said. “Because I think those men end up finding a lot of inspiration and a lot of support through the females that they’re watching. And it kind of just unites us.”