Breanna Stewart Commits to New York Amid Historic WNBA Free Agency
Breanna Stewart confirmed she will remain with the New York Liberty. She made the announcement on her podcast, Game Recognize Game with Stewie and Myles.
Decision and context
Stewart said she will not take free agency meetings despite being an unrestricted free agent. She cited family stability and life in New York as key reasons.
Sabrina Ionescu has also indicated plans to stay with the franchise. Both stars helped lead the Liberty to their first championship in 2024.
Contract landscape
The WNBA recently approved a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal includes large salary increases and a supermax near $1.4 million.
Under the new structure, Stewart and Ionescu could become million-dollar players. Yet the Liberty face roster uncertainty beyond those two.
League-wide free agency
More than 80% of the league are free agents this year. Many players have expiring contracts or opted out of the prior CBA.
The league has not announced an official free agency start date. The regular season is scheduled to begin May 8.
Recent team performance
The Liberty captured their first franchise title in 2024. In the most recent playoffs, the team lost to Phoenix in the quarterfinals.
Stewart and Ionescu’s commitments anchor New York amid a potentially turbulent offseason. The club must still address multiple roster decisions.
Accolades and legacy
This week, the Associated Press honored Stewart alongside Cheryl Miller. A 13-member panel named them the top players of the women’s college poll era.
Stewart’s résumé spans high school, college and international success. She won two state titles at Cicero-North Syracuse and four NCAA championships at UConn.
- Three WNBA championships
- Three FIBA World Cup gold medals
- Three Olympic gold medals
- Two EuroLeague titles
- Led Mist BC to an Unrivaled 3-on-3 championship
Reaction
Stewart thanked the Associated Press for the recognition. She also acknowledged her time at UConn and the players who shaped the college game.
Breanna Stewart commits to New York while the sport navigates a historic WNBA free agency window. Her vow reduces uncertainty for the Liberty.
