PHOENIX — Breanna Stewart, a twice-crowned WNBA MVP and thrice-victorious league champion, plans to rejoin the New York Liberty during the upcoming free agency period, she revealed on her audio broadcast, “Game Recognize Game with Stewie and Myles.”
“I’m here to clarify the situation: I will remain in New York,” Stewart informed co-host Myles Turner on the latest installment of their podcast. “I’m not intending to participate in any free agency discussions, despite my status as an unfettered free agent. My family is established here; we are secure here.”
“I am returning to New York, and that is the definitive statement.”
Sabrina Ionescu, a fellow player for the Liberty and the team’s top selection in the 2020 draft, also informed members of the press at USA Basketball training camp Wednesday that she plans her comeback to New York.
“Evidently, I’m precisely where I’m meant to be,” Ionescu stated. “I never envisioned anything differently, and I’m so eager to commit and commence. The season is approaching rapidly, so I’m thrilled to get all these formalities behind us and simply begin our campaign and advance in New York.”
Stewart, considered one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history, just concluded her third season with the Liberty, having initiated her professional journey with the Seattle Storm. The seven-time All-Star posted figures of 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 2025, marking her ninth year in the league. She was sidelined by an ailment in the latter portion of the season, and subsequently competed in the playoffs with a strained MCL sustained during the first round.
Stewart then subsequently participated in an uninjured campaign at Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league she established alongside Napheesa Collier, guiding her Mist BC squad to its inaugural championship.
Ionescu, a quadruple All-Star, recorded 18.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Liberty.
Ionescu expressed her belief that the Liberty, who appointed rookie WNBA head coach Chris DeMarco during the break, are “in a truly favorable position, due to our key players returning.”
“I feel like that’s something we can certainly rely upon, especially recognizing we clearly have a fresh leadership team arriving, which will introduce significant new adjustments,” Ionescu said. “However, I believe that understanding we have our primary group returning and continuously integrating fresh talent will also be truly thrilling, as we look to reclaim championship status.”
Jonquel Jones has been an integral member of the Liberty’s foundation since being acquired via transfer from Connecticut in 2023. Natasha Cloud, Emma Meesseman, and Kennedy Burke are other prominent unrestricted players, while the Liberty also hold the sole bargaining power for Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
Nearly all league veterans are entering the free agent market this inter-season period and will be able to benefit from the substantial compensation boosts stipulated within the league’s new labor accord, which was ratified last month.
Given that the comprehensive version of the agreement has yet to be officially formalized, the precise free agency timelines have neither been disclosed nor furnished to teams. However, the two-team expansion draft will be conducted Friday, and training camp is anticipated to commence punctually on April 19. Regardless, the schedule for free agency will be exceptionally brief.
“I think it’s going to be challenging because you’re compelling players and teams to reach swift conclusions,” Ionescu remarked. “Undoubtedly, GMs and teams have been conducting prior research and recognizing the need to get ready for a rapid transition within a brief period, with decisions being made and free agency being such a limited timeframe.”
“But I do believe we will witness significant shifts, because I think individuals will lack ample opportunity to deliberate, engage with teams, and visit. It’s going to be very rapid-fire, and there are evidently substantial financial incentives available as well. So, I think people will also have that to weigh, an option they lacked previously.”