After a historic run to their first WNBA championship, the New York Liberty are ready to defend their title as the 2025 season gets underway. Led by Breanna Stewart, the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in five games in the 2024 WNBA Finals, cementing themselves as one of the league’s premier teams. Now, with the roster largely intact, they are focused on building a dynasty in New York.
Stewart proved to be the missing piece for the franchise when she signed with New York before the 2023 season. While the Liberty reached the Finals in her first season, they fell short of a championship. However, in year two, Stewart helped transform the team into a title-winning powerhouse. In 38 games, she averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks, shooting 45.8% from the field as she led the Liberty to glory.
Reflecting on the championship, Stewart acknowledged the team’s growth and the winning mentality they developed. “Us winning a championship was about more than just me coming,” Stewart said. “But the way that we kind of changed what was happening here in New York and bringing that championship mentality – we didn’t win in year one, but we got there in year two. That’s going to continue in year three and continue in the rest of the years that I’m playing, but also continue in this franchise forever.”
A leader in every sense
At 30 years old, Stewart remains focused on winning another championship, and the Liberty have bolstered their roster to strengthen their chances. Now there is no question that the team is ready to work for a repeat and to run it back.
The core group-Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu-remains intact, and new additions like Natasha Cloud and Izzy Harrison aim to provide depth. The team will begin its 2025 title defense on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, when they face the Las Vegas Aces in a season-opening showdown, televised on ABC.
With a championship under their belt, the Liberty have the confidence and experience needed to make another deep postseason run. If Stewart and her teammates can replicate last season’s success, New York could soon become one of the WNBA’s greatest dynasties.
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