Sabrina Ionescu is staying with the New York Liberty despite entering WNBA free agency, reinforcing the team's core as it looks to contend again in 2026.
Ionescu confirmed her decision shortly after Breanna Stewart made her own announcement, signaling early stability for the 2024 WNBA champions. Both players entered the offseason as unrestricted free agents, making their choices a major storyline across the league.
Stewart first addressed her plans on her podcast Game Recognize Game with Stewie & Myles.
"I’m gonna just set the record straight here — I will be staying in New York,” she said. “I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings… 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.”
Hours later, Ionescu echoed that message to reporters via ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
“I’m where I’m supposed to be… so excited to be able to sign… and be able to start our season and get going in New York,” she said.
The move keeps the Liberty's foundation intact. Ionescu averaged 18.2 points and 5.7 assists last season. She'll continue to operate as the team's primary backcourt playmaker while contributing on both ends. Alongside Stewart and forward Jonquel Jones, she helped establish the Liberty as a WNBA powerhouse in recent years.
Free agency arrives at a pivotal moment, with both expansion and existing roster movement creating new pressure across the league. New York, however, is removing uncertainty early by retaining some of its top talent.
Now, the focus shifts to the rest of the roster. With Ionescu set to return, the Liberty move forward in free agency with a backcourt leader in place and expectations unchanged.
