Breanna Stewart’s return to the New York Liberty was widely expected, but the team made it official late in the offseason.
A two-time MVP and key player in the Liberty’s 2024 championship run, Stewart technically entered free agency but was so committed to staying in New York that she was barely considered a free agent. Now, just weeks before training camp, the Liberty have re-signed her to a one-year, $208,400 guaranteed contract, as reported by Madeline Kenney of the ‘New York Post’.
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized Stewart’s significance, calling her return the team’s top priority. “Her impact on and off the court is immeasurable she’s one of the best players in the world and a leader whose relentless drive sets the standard for our franchise,” Kolb stated.
Since joining the Liberty in 2022, Stewart has averaged 21.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. She led the team to the WNBA Finals in 2023 and then helped them win their first championship in 2024 against the Minnesota Lynx. The star forward boasts an impressive résumé, including three WNBA championships (two with the Seattle Storm), two league MVP awards, two Finals MVP honors, three Olympic gold medals, and six All-WNBA First Team selections.
The reigning WNBA Champion NY Liberty have re-signed 3x WNBA Champion, 3x Olympic gold medalist, 2x @WNBA MVP, 2x WNBA Finals MVP, 6x All-WNBA First Team, 6x WNBA All-Star, 6x All-Defensive Team selection, W25 honoree, and the fastest 5000-point scorer in league history,… pic.twitter.com/wZkZMmgJf7
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 29, 2025
Looking ahead, the Liberty remain strong title contenders. Stewart leads a talented core featuring Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones (2024 Finals MVP), and standout rookie Leonie Fiebich, with Nyarra Sabally expected to provide key minutes off the bench. The team also added elite two-way guard Natasha Cloud via trade and signed backup center Isabelle Harrison in free agency.
However, New York will be without veteran forward Kayla Thornton, who was picked by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft, and point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who returned to the Chicago Sky in free agency.
With several teams vying for a title such as the Liberty, Lynx, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, and potentially the Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury next season promises intense competition. But after strengthening their roster and securing Stewart, the defending champions are well-positioned to chase another championship.
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