The New York Liberty are set to retain one of their standout players. According to the New York Post, New York and Breanna Stewart have reached an agreement on a new contract. The deal runs for one year at a value of $208,400.
“Our top priority this offseason was to bring Stewie back to the Liberty,” said Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb in a statement. “Her influence on and off the court is incalculable—she’s not only among the most elite and accomplished players globally, but also a leader whose unyielding determination forms the foundation of the standards we are striving to uphold in New York.”
Stewart was instrumental in helping the Liberty secure last season’s WNBA championship title. Renowned as one of the top defensive players in professional basketball, she has faced injury challenges in recent years.
The Liberty forward boasts impressive career averages of 20.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. Prior to her time in New York, she spent six seasons with Seattle, where she captured two additional WNBA championships.
Stewart honed her skills in college basketball at UConn and was selected first overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft.
The Liberty aim to clinch another WNBA championship in the upcoming season
Throughout her WNBA career, Stewart has accumulated numerous accolades, with her defensive prowess proving crucial for the Liberty over the past two seasons.
The Liberty required that defensive strength in 2024, enabling them to navigate the WNBA and achieve a league championship—a first in the franchise’s history. New York is clearly counting on Stewart’s continued high-level performance as they target yet another title in 2025.
Her leadership has been just as significant. The seasoned forward holds three Olympic gold medals in addition to her three WNBA championships, and she has been honored as the WNBA Finals MVP on two occasions.
Last season, Stewart averaged slightly over 20 points for the team. She is part of a returning core of Liberty players this season, which includes Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton joining her.
The Liberty also traded some draft picks to acquire former Connecticut Sun standout Natasha Cloud and re-signed French basketball sensation Marine Johannes. Fans are optimistic that this ensemble can deliver results. However, the team will not have Courtney Vandersloot or Kayla Thornton this year.
The Liberty will kick off the 2025 season on May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces. Only time will reveal if they can secure back-to-back league titles.
Image Source: Breanna Stewart @ Instagram
