The New York Liberty organization and its fan base can breathe a sigh of relief as star athletes Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu have officially declared their commitment to rejoining the team. This announcement dispels previous speculation surrounding their impending free agency, ensuring the dynamic duo will continue to lead the Liberty in the upcoming WNBA season. Their decisions mark a pivotal moment for the franchise, reinforcing its championship aspirations and solidifying its roster with two of the league's most impactful players.
New York Liberty Secures Star Duo for Upcoming Season
In a significant development for the WNBA's New York Liberty, two of its most prominent players, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, confirmed on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, their intentions to re-sign with the team. This announcement put an end to the anticipation surrounding their free agency decisions. Breanna Stewart, a celebrated forward, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and her tenth in the WNBA overall. Stewart, a two-time MVP winner (2018 with the Seattle Storm and 2023 with New York), made her personal announcement on a podcast she co-hosts with Myles Turner, a player for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. During the broadcast, the 31-year-old emphasized her commitment, stating, "I will be staying in New York. My family is settled here, we are stable here. I am returning to New York, and that is final." Last season, Stewart showcased her exceptional talent by averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 31 games, earning her seventh All-Star selection. Her illustrious career also includes three WNBA championships—two with Seattle in 2018 and 2020, and one with New York in 2024—boasting career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over 292 appearances. Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu, a dynamic guard who has spent her entire professional career with the Liberty since being drafted first overall in 2020, also affirmed her return. The 28-year-old, a four-time All-Star, shared her decision with reporters at the USA Basketball training camp in Phoenix. Ionescu expressed her enthusiasm, remarking, "Clearly, I am where I am meant to be. I never considered anything different, and I am incredibly excited to sign and begin. The season is approaching rapidly, and I'm eager to move past this and commence our season in New York." In her most recent season, the Oregon standout averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 38 games. Her career statistics include averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds across 181 games (177 starts), along with a WNBA title in 2024. Both athletes, who earned just over $222,000 last season, are poised to see significant salary increases under the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was finalized last month.
The re-signing of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu is a testament to the growing appeal and stability of the New York Liberty franchise. Their decision not only solidifies the team's standing as a formidable contender but also sends a powerful message about player loyalty and the positive impact of a supportive team environment. For fans and the league alike, this development underscores the increasing professionalism and financial viability within women's basketball, promising an exciting future for the sport and its athletes.
