The WNBA landscape is shifting as the league approaches its landmark 30th season, with two new expansion franchises. Amidst the excitement of the new CBA agreement, 2026 WNBA draft and the arrival of fresh talent, the spotlight has remained firmly on the league’s biggest stars.
Is Breanna Stewart Staying With the Liberty?
“I’m gonna just set the record straight here. I will be staying in New York. I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings even though I am an unrestricted free agent. My family is set up here. We’re solid here. I’m going to be back in New York and that’s all there is to it. Good luck to everybody else in free agency, but I’m not a part of that.”
With those words, the two-time MVP effectively shut down what was expected to be the biggest storyline of the 2026 offseason. Stewart, who led New York to its first title in 2024 and maintained elite production through the 2025 campaign, was technically an unrestricted free agent.
In a league where player movement is becoming more frequent, her decision to bypass meetings with other teams is a massive win for the Liberty front office and the New York fan base.
The timing of this announcement provides much-needed clarity for a Liberty team looking to bounce back from a challenging 2025 postseason. Last year, New York finished the regular season with a 27-17 record, securing the top seed in the playoff bracket in a highly competitive field.
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While Stewart remained the engine of the team, averaging 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game throughout the year, the team’s playoff run was cut short in a surprising semifinals exit against the Minnesota Lynx.
A late-season fatigue factor seemed to hamper the squad, but as of April 1, 2026, Stewart is reported to be back at full strength and ready for the upcoming May tip-off.
Stability is the keyword for Stewart as she enters this next chapter. Living in New York with her wife, Marta Xargay, and their children, the star forward emphasized that her life off the court is just as settled as her role on it.
By staying in Brooklyn, she remains the focal point of a roster that includes star guard Sabrina Ionescu and powerhouse center Jonquel Jones. This trio has turned the Liberty into a perennial contender, and keeping them together was the top priority for General Manager Jonathan Kolb during this transitional period for the league.
The WNBA is currently undergoing rapid evolution. With the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire set to debut this season and more expansion on the horizon, the league has expanded to 44 regular-season games. It will then go over to 50 before expanding to a further 59 in 2029.
The competition for top-tier talent has never been more intense, especially with the introduction of new financial structures that have raised the stakes for every franchise. Many expected Stewart to at least listen to offers from teams looking to make a splash in the new market, but her loyalty to the Liberty remains unshaken as she prepares for the 2026 campaign.
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Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Liberty are positioned as one of the favorites to reclaim the throne. Under the continued guidance of Chris DeMarco, the team is expected to refine its offensive system to maximize the spacing provided by Stewart’s elite shooting.
Stewart’s versatility as a stretch four allows the Liberty to maintain one of the most dangerous scoring lineups in professional basketball. Her career accolades and consistent double-double production highlight just how difficult she is to replace for any championship hopeful.
Fans at Barclays Center can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their franchise cornerstone is not going anywhere. As the rest of the league prepares for a chaotic free agency period filled with rumors and potential trades, New York can focus entirely on the draft and rounding out their bench depth.
Stewart has made her choice clear, and for the rest of the WNBA, the road to the 2026 championship still runs through the heart of Brooklyn.
