Breanna Stewart is staying put. The New York Liberty have officially re-signed their superstar forward, securing one of the league’s top talents for another season. But Stewart’s contract choice is raising eyebrows across the WNBA.
According to reports, the reigning WNBA champion inked a one-year deal worth $208,400, making her the highest-paid player on the Liberty and one of the top earners in the league. Despite her status as a two-time MVP and six-time All-Star, Stewart once again opted for a short-term contract rather than a multi-year commitment-just as she did in 2023 and 2024.
Why the hesitation? The move appears to be a strategic play tied to the upcoming WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. As Vice President of the WNBA Players Association, Stewart has been a vocal advocate for better salaries and player benefits.
Stewart’s impact on the Liberty
With the CBA set to be renegotiated soon, many top players-aside from those on rookie deals-are keeping their options open, avoiding long-term contracts until new terms are in place.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the league’s financial future, Stewart’s impact on the Liberty is undeniable. Even in what was considered a “modest” season by her standards, she averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing New York its first WNBA championship.
Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized Stewart’s immense value, stating, “Her impact on and off the court is immeasurable-she’s not only one of the best and most accomplished players in the world, but a leader whose relentless drive is foundational to the standard we continue to build upon in New York.”
Stewart will be ready for preseason training in April
Off the court, Stewart has also kept busy. She recently competed in the debut season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, which she co-founded with fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier. Shortly after, Stewart underwent minor knee surgery on her right meniscus but is expected to be fully recovered in time for Liberty training camp on April 27.
With Stewart back in the mix, the Liberty remain a strong contender heading into 2025. However, her contract decision could be a sign of major changes on the horizon for the league as a whole.
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