Imago
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Imago
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The New York Liberty’s big 3 has just turned into a big 4. Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu are all expected to return to this star-studded roster. “I’m going to just set the record straight here,” Stewart said. “I will be staying in New York. I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings.” The Liberty has also agreed to a multiyear deal with Jonquel Jones. Now, this team that won the title in 2024 has added even more firepower in the form of Satou Sabally.
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Sabally had a blockbuster 2025 season. She led the Phoenix Mercury in scoring with 16.3 points per game and averaged 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. She averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds in the playoffs to lead them to the finals, where they lost to the Las Vegas Aces. It seems that was not enough for Sabally, as she now joins the New York Liberty as a free agent.
“Where dreams are made of… 🗽✨🦄,” Sabally captioned a video of a unicorn circling the Statue of Liberty. “All-Star Satou Sabally has agreed to sign a multiyear deal to join the New York Liberty,” Shams Charania reported. Naturally, Sabally will immediately make Liberty better than it is. The fans quickly tagged the New York Liberty as the favorites to win the 2026 title.
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Fans Crown New York Liberty 2026 Title Favorites After Satou Sabally’s Move
“Huge move for the Liberty pairing Sabally with Breanna Stewart creates a nightmare frontcourt for every team in the league,” wrote a fan. “Oh yeah, it’s over for everyone else 🫢,” chipped in another. Satou Sabally’s move to New York is a genius one on multiple fronts. She will reunite with Sabrina Ionescu. They played together for the Oregon Ducks in college. During the 2019-20 season, Sabally and Ionescu combined to score 33.7 points per game as arguably the top duo in the PAC-12.
Huge move for the Liberty pairing Sabally with Breanna Stewart creates a nightmare frontcourt for every team in the league.
— Simsbuя̥y…ﮩﮩ (@Simsburysms) April 11, 2026
The Liberty already has the most feared front court with Jones and Stewart, and Sabally adds another dimension to their roster. She is a versatile big who can shoot threes, giving Stewart the flexibility to remain in the paint, where she dominates. Last year, Stewart had her career-worst season from the three-point line, shooting at just 24.1%. However, as the team improves on paper, it also raises expectations from fans and the wider WNBA community.
“Anything less than a trophy in the Barclays Center will be seen as a disappointment,” wrote a fan. “New York Liberty winning a championship. The Aces dynasty is finished,” commented another. The Liberty had the same weight last year. The team was good enough on paper to challenge for the championship. However, the team was rocked by injuries.
Jones spent the majority of the time on the sidelines, and even Ionescu played through her injuries, which later kept her out of Unrivaled. Stewart played through a knee injury in the playoffs as well. If they remain fit with Sabally added to the roster, this team is championship material. They have multiple players in their prime with enough experience and flair. As the offseason continues, the front office will further strengthen its bench. Amid the signing, some fans wonder how this team is affording multiple stars.
“This was expected… but damn, Liberty got cap space for all them all-stars?” Wrote a fan. Sabrina Ionescu was signed, so she is eligible for the $1.4 million SuperMax out of the $7 million salary cap. They signed Spanish forward Raquel Carrera to a one-year, $270,000 deal.
Stewart and Jones’ contract values are unknown, but they could reach into the millions. Sabally, a three-time all-star, would require a hefty commitment, too. However, there is one thing that could have helped Liberty: the hunger to win. Each of these players could have compromised to build a title contender.
The Liberty also intends to re-sign Marine Johannes and has the rights to Rebekah Gardner and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, according to the New York Post. It seems the league needs to be wary of this Liberty side, which is coming for its second title.
