What is being called the most transformative free agency period in WNBA history is finally here. With more than 100 players, roughly 80% of the league, set to hit free agency at the same time, anticipation is building across the board. Fans are eager to see how teams reshape their rosters, and players themselves are preparing to explore new opportunities, especially with a groundbreaking new CBA now in place. That, however, is not the case for Breanna Stewart.

A week before negotiations officially begin, Stewart has shut down all speculation about her future, confirming she will remain with the New York Liberty. Speaking on her podcast, Game Recognizes Game, Stewart didn’t leave room for speculation.

“I 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. 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 everyone else in free agency, but I’m not a part of that.”

Breanna Stewart was a central figure in the 2026 CBA negotiations, serving as a Vice President of the WNBA Players Association. And like many others in the league right now, she had also purposely signed short-term deals that ended in 2025, so she could hit the market under the new, much higher salary cap. In fact, she intentionally signed three consecutive one-year deals. Now, as an unrestricted free agent, she has the right to explore, and perhaps settle for, the most financially attractive option.

For Stewart, however, it appears that money is the least of her considerations at this moment. Higher on her priority list is her family, who are currently based in the Big Apple and as she puts it, they’re “solid” there.

Of course, this is a decision the family will appreciate. But beyond family, the New York Liberty will also very much appreciate it. Breanna Stewart remains the definitive anchor and key player for the franchise. While the 2025 season was statistically one of her “rockiest” due to injuries, she still led the team in scoring and defensive impact before their disappointing first-round playoff exit. Taking her word for it, Liberty fans can expect to have their cornerstone back in the next WNBA season.

Fans express relief and skepticism over Breanna Stewart’s career announcement

Breanna Stewart’s career announcement has been met with mixed reactions from fans, some of whom actually found it unbelievable. In fact, the timing of the announcement, being April 1, made some fans insinuate that it was a joke. “April fools, right?” one fan asked. Another fan, even more skeptical, said, “I’ve seen and heard players/coaches say this same thing and week later they’re gone.”

Looking at the quality she brings to the team and the role she commands, Stewart’s decision is in every way a good situation for the New York Liberty. And fans are quite happy as well. Some fans are, in fact, wishing that other players on the roster would follow the same footsteps. As one fan puts it, “I really hope this means Sab and JJ are back too.” Another fan, even more excited, said, “Great news!! My favourite team. I hope that JJ, Betnijah, Nyara, Natasha… hell… all of last year’s team come back. I loved the team…”

This decision, however, has the potential of placing Stewart at a financial disadvantage. The fact that she’s already sure to stay means the team might not feel motivated to make strong financial efforts to keep her. According to a fan, “Liberty execs are rubbing their hands and seeing the opportunity. Offering her the minimum. ‘It’s more than you made last year anyway!’”

There has, however, not been any confirmation of any contract talks just yet. Ultimately, Stewart is staying, and New York Liberty fans are happy about it.