Story perspectives

Liberty Re-sign Stars, Add Sabally, Hire Coach, Ionescu Injured

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Liberty re-signed Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, added Satou Sabally, and hired Chris DeMarco as head coach.
Sabrina Ionescu injured ankle in the preseason finale and will have an MRI Monday.
She posted 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists and will be ball-handler under DeMarco.
The Liberty finished 2025 as the No. 5 seed (27-17) after a 9-0 start and expect second-half play.

History

Historical Context

When the WNBA launched in 1997, the New York Liberty reached the Finals, losing to the Houston Comets in a three-game series. The league began with eight franchises, and the Liberty’s inaugural roster featured veteran Teresa Weatherspoon, who logged 1,000 career points that season. Today's Liberty, re-signing Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and adding Satou Sabally, mirror that 1997 talent-stacking approach to pursue a title. That early focus on star power established a lasting model, prompting modern teams to hire coaches like Chris DeMarco and secure high-profile contracts.

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Story summary

The New York Liberty re-signed Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, added Satou Sabally, and hired Chris DeMarco as head coach.
Sabrina Ionescu injured ankle in the preseason finale and will have an MRI Monday.
She posted 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists and will be ball-handler under DeMarco.
The Liberty finished 2025 as the No. 5 seed (27-17) after a 9-0 start and expect second-half play.

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