Story perspectives

Liberty’s 30th Anniversary Highlighted by Johannes’ 27-Point Record

8/10/2026

Summary

Hammon Rests Stars

Coach Becky Hammon rested A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young for Aug 10, 2026 game versus New York Liberty in Brooklyn because they played Minnesota Saturday at 1 p.m. ET and New York Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET, giving under 24 hours between games.
WNBA policy mandates at least 22 hours between back-to-back games while the 2026 CBA seeks a 20-hour gap.
The $2.2 billion, 11-year media rights deal announced June 2024 now yields 216 national games each season.

Summary

Johannes Sets Record

Marine Johannes set a Liberty franchise record with a career-high 27 points, including seven 3-pointers, in the 111-71 win over the Las Vegas Aces on August 9, 2026.
The Liberty marked their 30th anniversary during the game, honoring former stars Teresa Weatherspoon and Kym Hampton in a pre-game ceremony.
Liberty reserve Ta’Niya Latson contributed 20 points in 24 minutes, becoming the Aces’ leading scorer despite the team’s overall struggles.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the NBA-backed WNBA began with eight teams, including the New York Liberty, and its first game on NBC drew 14,284 fans. Early TV deals with NBC, ESPN and Lifetime gave modest exposure, while a 2007 ESPN contract introduced the league’s first rights fees. The 2024 media-rights pact and schedule echo those origins as Becky Hammon rests A’ja Wilson during the Liberty’s 30th-anniversary season.

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Hammon Rests Stars

Coach Becky Hammon rested A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young for Aug 10, 2026 game versus New York Liberty in Brooklyn because they played Minnesota Saturday at 1 p.m. ET and New York Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET, giving under 24 hours between games.
WNBA policy mandates at least 22 hours between back-to-back games while the 2026 CBA seeks a 20-hour gap.
The $2.2 billion, 11-year media rights deal announced June 2024 now yields 216 national games each season.

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