Liberty Navigates Offseason Without Major Free Agency Concerns
With core stars signed through 2028, the New York Liberty largely sidestep the typical free agency drama affecting other WNBA teams.
The New York Liberty is poised to avoid significant offseason upheaval, as its foundational players, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, are all under contract through the 2028 season. This stability contrasts with the free agency uncertainties faced by other franchises in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The team recently concluded its season after being swept in the semifinals by the Atlanta Dream. Despite the disappointing finish, the Liberty does not have any prominent unrestricted free agents on its roster.
Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever has publicly stated her intention to be "selfish" in free agency, prioritizing her career needs, a sentiment that highlights the potential for player movement and negotiation across the league. Similarly, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who completed a one-year contract, expressed affection for her current organization but stopped short of committing to free agency, indicating that player decisions can be complex.
Jackie Young, a guard for the Las Vegas Aces, is also identified as a key free agent eligible to negotiate with any of the league's 15 teams starting February 4. These players' situations underscore the potential for significant shifts in team rosters.
For the Liberty, the primary roster change anticipated is the retirement of veteran wing Rebecca Allen, who played on a one-year contract and has indicated her intention to conclude her WNBA career. Anneli Maley, who joined the Liberty on a standard contract in September, is also listed as an unrestricted free agent according to Her Hoop Stats.
Other roster situations for the Liberty include Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who was waived after trade talks stalled and finished the season with the Washington Mystics. Guards Marine Johannes and Rebekah Gardner are set to become restricted free agents, while Leonie Fiebich, Pauline Astier, Han Xu, and Marine Fauthoux remain under team control. Satou Sabally is entering the second year of her free-agent agreement as she recovers from a concussion.
This landscape suggests that while the Liberty will likely see some roster adjustments, the departure of key unrestricted free agents will not be a primary concern heading into the upcoming season.