Vanessa Bryant and Coco Gauff cheer on Sabrina Ionescu at Liberty vs. Sky showdown

Vanessa Bryant, her daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and tennis superstar Coco Gauff were all front and center

JUNE 11, 2025 10:39 AM EDTJUN 11, 2025, 10:39 AM EDT

On June 10, 2025, Brooklyn's Barclays Center wasn't just the site of a nail-biter WNBA showdown between the New York Liberty and the Chicago Sky; it doubled as a courtside fashion moment and a full-circle celebration of legacy, friendship, and family.

Vanessa Bryant, her daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and tennis superstar Coco Gauff were all front and center, radiating style, strength, and sisterhood as they watched Liberty's #20, Sabrina Ionescu, and the rest of the team do what they do best.

Professional tennis player Coco Gauff attends the game between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

A Courtside Photo Worth a Thousand Feels

The Bryant crew and Coco Gauff sat in the front row like basketball royalty. Vanessa stunned in a deep red trench coat and matching heels, rocking a patterned headscarf with effortless cool. Beside her, Bianka wore a chic Dior baseball tee and white pants with baby-pink slip-ons, while Capri stayed cozy in a blush quilted jacket and glittery sneakers that were clearly made for twirling and courtside sitting.

Why This Game Was Personal

Sure, Liberty vs. Sky is a hot ticket on its own. But for the Bryant family, this wasn't just another courtside cameo. Their presence was a visible tribute to a deep-rooted bond with Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, forged in the crucible of heartbreak and lifted by mutual admiration.

American philanthropist Vanessa Bryant looks on during the game between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

When Kobe and Gianna "Gigi" Bryant tragically passed away in 2020, Ionescu was among the first to rally around the grieving family. Her relationship with the Bryants wasn't built on public appearances; it started years ago when Kobe and Gigi would watch her tear it up in college, admiring her grit and game.

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty dribbles during the second half against the Chicago Sky at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 85-66.

Since then, Ionescu has embodied Kobe's signature "Mamba Mentality" — a mindset of relentless focus, self-belief, and next-play drive that he passed down to her in countless conversations and training sessions.

In a 2024 interview with ESPN, Ionescu said, "He's always with me. The lessons that he taught me, that Mamba Mentality... what he always preached was just continue to be myself, believe in the work that I put in, and go out and take it."

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty dribbles against Ariel Atkins #7 of the Chicago Sky during the second half at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 85-66. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) — Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty dribbles against Ariel Atkins #7 of the Chicago Sky during the second half at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 85-66.

That mindset came full circle in Paris last summer when Ionescu helped Team USA snag Olympic gold. After the final buzzer, cameras captured her running into the arms of the Bryant family. She kissed little Bianka on the head and hugged Vanessa and Natalia.