express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Saturday, October 3, 2026

Tina Charles Embraces New Role with Liberty Franchise

Former WNBA star embarks on an internship with the New York Liberty, seeking to understand the business side of professional sports.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Tina Charles Embraces New Role with Liberty Franchise

Tina Charles, a former standout for the New York Liberty, has returned to the franchise in a new capacity: as an intern. The role marks a significant shift for the player, who once helped define the team's on-court identity, as she now learns the operational intricacies of one of the WNBA's most ambitious organizations.

Charles's internship began with a familiar exercise for newcomers: a chalkboard sign bearing her name and the designation of her new role – "Liberty internship." This marks a new beginning for the prominent athlete, signaling a transition from player to observer within the sports landscape.

As CEO of the Liberty, Keia Clarke, who also participated in the welcome, acknowledged the symbolic nature of the chalkboard. It represents a different kind of foundational step for Charles, one focused on understanding the business and management aspects that underpin a professional sports team. The WNBA has seen significant growth and ambition in recent years, with franchises like the Liberty investing heavily in their operations and brand.

Charles's history with the Liberty is well-documented. She played for the team from 2014 to 2016, earning multiple All-Star selections and establishing herself as a cornerstone player. Her return, even in an internship capacity, signifies a continued connection to the franchise and a desire to broaden her experience within the WNBA ecosystem. This move allows her to explore how a team operates off the court, complementing her extensive experience on it. The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into team management, marketing, and the overall business strategy that drives a WNBA franchise. The details of her internship responsibilities were not specified, but the context suggests a comprehensive immersion into the daily functions of the Liberty organization.


Sources