- Two-time WNBA MVP re-signs following historic championship season
- Career averages exceed 20 points and 8 rebounds per game
- Recent knee procedure expected to heal before training camp
- Liberty retain entire starting lineup for title defense
The New York Liberty solidified their championship foundation by re-signing superstar forward Breanna Stewart, a move General Manager Jonathan Kolb called the cornerstone of our offseason strategy.Stewart’s decision follows a career-defining 2023 campaign where she led the franchise to its first WNBA title, averaging 21.8 points and 8.9 rebounds during the regular season. Her return ensures the Liberty will field the same starting five that dominated the league, a rarity in modern professional sports.
Since joining New York in 2023, Stewart has elevated her game to MVP-caliber levels, consistently ranking among the league’s top three in scoring and rebounding. The Syracuse native’s 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game last season demonstrate her two-way dominance, a key factor in the Liberty’s defensive transformation. Front office executives around the league note Stewart’s presence directly correlates with a 19% increase in ticket sales and 34% spike in merchandise revenue since her arrival.
Health concerns arose earlier this month when Stewart underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right meniscus, but team doctors confirm she’ll be game-ready by training camp. The timing proved ideal – the procedure occurred during her offseason participation in Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 league she co-founded. While her Unrivaled squad missed the playoffs, Stewart’s 19.1-point, 11-rebound averages there suggest her scoring prowess remains undiminished.
New York’s roster strategy reflects broader WNBA trends favoring core retention over splashy signings. By keeping their championship lineup intact and adding guard Natasha Cloud via trade, the Liberty avoid the chemistry issues plaguing teams like Las Vegas following their 2022 title. Sports economists predict Stewart’s continued presence could generate $8-12 million in annual economic impact for New York through arena revenue and local partnerships.
The regional implications are profound: Stewart’s commitment marks the third major sports star to choose long-term New York residency this year, following the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Yankees’ Aaron Judge. This trend underscores NYC’s growing appeal as a premier destination for elite athletes, with Madison Square Garden Company reports showing a 41% increase in player endorsement deals for New York-based teams since 2020.