The New York Liberty start a new season full of expectations on Saturday. The defending WNBA champions are aware that they have a target on their back, but the front office made a series of moves to keep them competitive against all the teams that bolster their ranks to beat them.
Their season opener happens to be against a well-known opponent, the Las Vegas Aces. After losing to A’ja Wilson and Co. in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they got revenge in the 2024 postseason semifinals, sending the Aces back home when they tried to become the second team in history to win three consecutive championships.
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New York is buzzing over the New York Knicks’ remarkable run in the 2025 playoff run. They are set to play the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years following a commanding 4-1 win against the Boston Celtics.
The Liberty will try to give fans more reasons to be excited about when they take on Becky Hammon’s team.
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) dribbles the ball. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sandy Brondello, Liberty’s head coach, talked with reporters ahead of the game. The veteran used the Knicks as an example of what the Liberty are trying to achieve in this game. After seeing how fans celebrated the Knicks’ victory, Brondello said her team will try to extend that happiness with a win in their season opener (per Myles Ehrlich).
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“Hopefully, we can continue what the Knicks started last night. Real buzz in the city.”
The Liberty added new pieces for this season and retained key members of the roster, namely Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. Speaking on their bench depth, Brondello shared her excitement about the role players.
“They’ve had that experience to grow together. Nyara hardly played for us, but was healthy when it really mattered. Kennedy’s had a really great training camp. Marine’s come back a better player. And Bek Gardner has worked really hard.”
After a terrific 2024 season, the Liberty are eager to extend their dominance in the W and become the fourth team to win back-to-back championships.
Related: Sue Bird Names 2025 WNBA Championship Favorites Without Hesitation
