For New York City basketball fans, last October was a moment to remember. The New York Liberty etched their names in history, triumphing over the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling 3-2 Finals series to claim the 2024 WNBA Championship. This victory wasn’t just a milestone for the Liberty, marking their first title since the team’s inception in 1997, but it also ended a long drought for the city, representing New York City’s first professional basketball championship since the Knicks’ triumph way back in 1973. The significance of this win resonates deeply within the Big Apple.
Fast forward to the anticipation of the 2025 season, and the Liberty continued their championship celebration in style. The team recently received their custom-designed championship rings, and the unveiling was nothing short of spectacular. To cap off this momentous occasion, the franchise proudly raised the first championship banner in the New York Liberty’s history to its permanent place among the rafters of the Barclays Center. You truly need to see the emotion and the intricate details of these rings and the banner raising – the accompanying video captures the excitement perfectly.
The ring presentation itself was a special occasion, with each member of the championship-winning team stepping forward to receive their custom piece from @jasonofbeverlyhills. A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when star player Breanna Stewart approached to receive her ring, her three-year-old daughter Ruby holding her hand, and her one-year-old son Theo nestled in her arms. These personal touches underscored the human element behind the athletic achievement.
Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty’s No. 1 overall draft pick from 2020, was the final player to be introduced during the ring ceremony. The sold-out crowd at Barclays Center greeted her with a sustained and enthusiastic ovation, a testament to her impact on the team and the connection she has forged with the New York fanbase. This moment highlighted her pivotal role in the Liberty’s championship journey.
The Championship Ring’s Story
The championship ring itself is a masterpiece of symbolism and detail. Notably, a prominent “Y” design, crafted with 11 black diamonds representing the team’s playoff games, also features a total of 32 black diamond points, a nod to their impressive 32 regular season wins. Adding a unique touch, hidden within the ring are two golden NY earrings, each adorned with a diamond-encrusted Liberty crown. A single, striking diamond embedded in the depiction of the WNBA trophy honors this historic first championship.
Furthermore, the ring’s design incorporates subtle “flowers and cracks,” symbolizing the team’s resilient 28-year journey within the “concrete jungle.” Finally, the interior shank of each ring is thoughtfully engraved with the jersey numbers of the entire 2024 New York Liberty roster.
This entire celebration, from the dazzling ring reveal to the banner raising, serves as a powerful reminder of the New York Liberty’s historic achievement and the unwavering support of their fans. As they embark on the 2025 season, these symbols of their hard-fought victory will undoubtedly serve as inspiration and a testament to what this team has accomplished, fueling anticipation for what they can achieve next. Make sure you watch the video to truly appreciate the significance of these moments for the Liberty and New York City basketball.
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