The recent win over the Seattle Storm allowed Sandy Brondello’s squad to solidify their status as one of the top title contenders — even with two games still left to play.

Speaking to the media after the game, Stewart acknowledged that it hasn’t been easy to get to this point. However, she revealed that one key factor has helped make it possible: resilience.

“The resiliency of this team is probably the most important part of the entire season, just the fact that it’s been up and down, players in and out, roster changes, all the things you could imagine have happened to this team, but we don’t want our runs to be easy,” she said.

“We just want it to be really, really worth it,” she continued, “so I think we’re embracing the hard and showing up every day, ready for whatever challenge we’re gonna have and whoever we’re gonna have with us.”

Eyes on the title

As the regular season winds down, the New York Liberty find themselves in a familiar position: ready to defend their title. Led by superstar Breanna Stewart, the reigning champion, the Liberty are once again poised for a deep postseason run.

With a roster packed with All-Star talent and a championship-winning core, New York has one goal in mind: repeating as WNBA champions. After an up-and-down season, the Liberty’s path to a repeat will require them to find their championship-level form at the right time, with Stewart spearheading the charge to deliver a second consecutive title to the City that Never Sleeps.

What’s next for the Liberty?

With the main goal of entering the playoffs with the momentum needed to challenge any opponent, the Liberty have just two games left to play:

• vs Washington Mystics, September 9
• vs Chicago Sky, September 11

Jonquel Jones has become the defining presence for the New York Liberty, blending dominance in the paint with leadership that extends beyond the stat sheet. Her influence on the team is as visible as her highlight-reel plays.

The Liberty have built around her explosiveness and versatility, making her contract more than just a number. It reflects the organization’s commitment to a player who has consistently reshaped the dynamics of every game she touches.

As the league watches, the details of her WNBA salary and remaining time with the team hint at bigger narratives—about ambition, value, and the balance between star power and team strategy.

What is Jonquel Jones’ salary with the New York Liberty?

Jonquel Jones, one of the WNBA’s most dominant forwards, is earning a base salary of $192,500 for the 2025 season with the New York Liberty, according to Spotrac. Her deal reflects both her veteran status and the evolving financial landscape, where top-tier talent is finally seeing more competitive compensation

She signed a two-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $385,000. While these figures still trail far behind NBA counterparts, they mark a steady climb in WNBA salaries—especially for players with her résumé, which includes an MVP award and multiple All-Star appearances.

Beyond her paycheck, she supplements her income through overseas play and brand endorsements, including partnerships with Nike and State Farm. But within the Liberty’s salary cap structure, her deal is a strategic investment in a player who anchors both ends of the court.

Jonquel Jones’ contract: How long does the deal last?

Jonquel Jones’ current contract with the New York Liberty spans two seasons, covering 2024 and 2025, after which she becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

This two-year pact is a protected contract, meaning she cannot be waived without financial consequence to the team—a status reserved for cornerstone players. It also gives the Liberty a window to chase a championship with a core that includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jones herself.

The timing of the contract aligns with the Liberty’s broader roster strategy: short-term flexibility with high-impact talent. Whether she re-signs beyond 2025 may depend on playoff success, team chemistry and the league’s next collective bargaining shifts.

The Liberty enter this contest after a disappointing 78-62 loss to the Atlanta Dream, a game where they were overpowered from start to finish. The absence of Ionescu and Stewart was evident, as New York struggled to generate offense and left glaring holes across the court.

Jonquel Jones tried to carry the load with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Kennedy Burke added 13 points and five boards. Still, the performances were not enough to lift the Liberty, who looked out of rhythm without their two leaders.

Will Ionescu and Stewart play?

Breanna Stewart is one of four players listed as questionable for New York’s meeting with Connecticut. Alongside Stewart, the Liberty also list Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, and Isabelle Harrison as questionable. Ionescu sat out the loss to Atlanta with a foot injury, while Stewart has been sidelined since late July with a knee bone bruise.

Stewart’s status remains uncertain, but the questionable designation is at least a sign of progress. While her participation is in doubt, there is growing optimism that she could return to the WNBA bench soon, even if her minutes are limited.

Ionescu’s case is similar. Her return would provide a huge boost for New York, who are just 5-8 without Stewart this season. Ionescu was dominant in a win over the Minnesota Lynx last week, but her lingering foot issue suggests the Liberty may have to proceed cautiously.

The weight of the stars

Ionescu has been the Liberty’s offensive anchor this year, averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from the field. Stewart has been equally vital, contributing 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, reinforcing her status as one of the most versatile forwards in the league.

The defending champions have endured a tough stretch with injuries trimming their depth, but Monday’s game offers a chance to reset. If either Ionescu or Stewart takes the floor against the Sun, the Liberty’s chances of bouncing back will immediately rise.

The Chicago Sky visit the Barclays Center to face defending champions New York Liberty. While All-Star forward Angel Reese recently returned to court, her presence isn’t guaranteed for tonight’s match.

According to the injury report, Reese is listed as probable, as she is coming out of a back injury that sidelined her for seven consecutive matches before returning against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.

Reese posted 19 points in her team’s 94-88. “So happy to be back playing the game I love,” she wrote on her X account after playing 26 minutes on Tuesday. In total, she has missed 10 games this season, and she is averaging 4.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals.

The Sky can also recover Ariel Atkins (leg) and Hailey Van Light (ankle), who are also listed as probable for tonight’s match. It’s worth noting that their only confirmed absence is Courtney Vandersloot, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL.

New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky’s preview: How do the teams arrive?

New York, coming off an 85–75 victory over Minnesota, sits in second place and must continue piling up wins to secure that position. For this game, Isabelle Harrison (concussion protocol), Nyara Sabally (right knee), and Breanna Stewart (right knee) will all be out.

Chicago, on the other hand, has struggled this season, dropping eight of its last nine games. The Sky’s record is 8-26 this season, and they are in the bottom of the table with the Connecticut Sun.

The matchup between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty is set for tonight, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In recent hours, the addition of Jaylyn Sherrod to the team coached by Cheryl Reeve has been confirmed, following her release by the Liberty on August 1st. According to the franchise’s official announcement, per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sherrod’s acquisition in Minnesota brings a boost in quality, particularly through her defensive intensity — a key addition for a team with serious aspirations of capturing the title this season.

Joining the Lynx at 23 years old, the talented guard previously played two seasons with the New York Liberty. In her 28 games there, she averaged 1.5 points while shooting 38.2% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range.

Major roster moves for the Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx made a strategic move on Friday, officially signing forward Camryn Taylor to a seven-day contract. Taylor joins the team in a transitional period, with the signing reflecting the Lynx’s effort to address a need for depth and versatility in their frontcourt. The team is looking to evaluate her skills and potential fit during this short-term deal.

In a related roster change, the Lynx announced on Saturday that they have released guard Yvonne Anderson. Her departure comes after her own seven-day contract expired. Anderson, who brought experience to the backcourt, will no longer be with the team as they continue to refine their roster.

These roster moves highlight the dynamic nature of WNBA contracts, where short-term deals are common for teams looking to assess talent or address temporary needs due to injuries or scheduling. The signing of Taylor and the release of Anderson show the team’s ongoing efforts to build the most effective roster possible as they progress through the season.

What’s next for Minnesota?

With the goal of staying strong in the Western Conference, here are the next five matchups the Lynx will face in the short term:

• @ New York Liberty, August 10th
• vs New York Liberty, August 16th
• @ New York Liberty, August 19th
• @ Atlanta Dream, August 21st
• @ Indiana Fever, August 22nd

Breanna Stewart anchors the Liberty’s ambition in more ways than one. After leading New York to its first WNBA title, she’s back in Brooklyn on a deal that signals leadership, sacrifice and strategic investment from a true superstar.

Instead of locking into a long‑term max‑value arrangement, she opted for a shorter deal. It’s a move that underscores her willingness to prioritize team balance over individual gain in pursuit of sustained success.

This contract isn’t merely a formality—it symbolizes intent. It reflects how a generational talent leverages her standing to shape both her career trajectory and the Liberty’s path in a league still redefining its financial framework.

What is Breanna Stewart’s salary with the New York Liberty?

In 2025, Breanna Stewart earns $208,400, placing her at the top of the New York Liberty payroll and among the highest-paid players, according to Spotrac. Though eligible for the super‑max (up to ~$249,244), she agreed to a below‑max figure.

This shows a willingness to sacrifice salary for roster flexibility. Spotrac ranks her salary as Liberty’s highest average annual value, reflecting her status while enabling New York to pursue free agents and maintain cap health.

Breanna Stewart’s contract: How long does the deal last?

Breanna Stewart re-signed on March 29, 2025, agreeing to a one-year guaranteed contract under the WNBA’s “core” designation. Her decision to avoid long-term commitment speaks to a broader trend among veteran stars who prefer short-term security.

This marks her third consecutive single-season deal with the Liberty (including 2023 and 2024), a strategic choice allowing flexibility as the league navigates CBA negotiations and evolving broadcast deals.

In a league where voices matter as much as points, Natasha Cloud has carved her place as both a playmaker and a force for change. Her move to New York brings more than skill—it brings a fierce competitor with something to prove.

The guard’s game is built on court control and court vision. She led the WNBA in assists in 2022 and earned multiple All-Defensive nods. Her influence spans the locker room and the perimeter, sparking spoke-your-crown revival.

Off court, she has grown into a loud advocate—for social justice, athlete rights and activism through sport. With family rooted in Philadelphia and championship experience, she now anchors a Liberty side eager for repeat glory.

How old is Natasha Cloud?

Born February 22, 1992, in Broomall, Pennsylvania, Natasha Cloud is 33 years old and enjoying a pro career that has matured with purpose and power. Her years in the league include a WNBA championship (2019), leadership in assists (2022), and recognition as a defensive anchor.

How tall is Natasha Cloud?

At 5’10” (178 cm) and about 160 lbs, Natasha Cloud stands at ideal height for a lead guard—neither overwhelming in size nor diminutive in presence. Her frame allows her to see over defenses, dish with precision, and contest shots with physicality—even against taller wings.

Natasha Cloud’s love life and family

Natasha Cloud was previously married to professional softball pitcher Aleshia Ocasio from 2019 until their separation in 2022, a union that rarely surfaced in media but shaped her early professional years.

In early 2025, she began a relationship with fellow Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison, which she has described as “the most beautiful, calming, sound thing” for her both personally and professionally.

Fans quickly embraced the couple, especially after she shared on social media that she intends to use her Skills Challenge winnings to help buy a home for her and Harrison—their love story now part of her identity on and off the court.

What is Natasha Cloud’s jersey number?

Natasha Cloud currently wears number 9 with the New York Liberty, a number her father encouraged her to wear since childhood—a symbol of happiness and success in the Cloud family legacy.

When she first entered the league, she wore No. 15 in Washington due to unavailability of No. 9. Later, in Phoenix, she sported 0, complete with a bespoke “cloud” design jersey for fans.

Natasha Cloud’s career highlights

• WNBA Draft Pick (2015): Selected 15th overall by the Washington Mystics after standout years at Saint Joseph’s and Maryland, she began her career quietly, with hustle and court IQ over raw talent.

• WNBA Champion (2019): Served as a defensive spark off the bench when the Mystics captured their first-ever WNBA title, becoming known for her hustle, leadership, and steady hand under pressure.

• Assists Leader and All‑Defensive First Team (2022): Led the league in assists and earned her first All‑Defensive First Team nod—a testament to her growth into a true two-way floor general.

• Skills Challenge Champion (2025): Captured the Skills Challenge at All‑Star Weekend with a winning time of 36.4 seconds, dedicating her prize money toward a house with her partner, Isabelle Harrison.

• High-Profile Trade to New York (2025): After a disappointing trade to Connecticut made public via Instagram, she proactively helped orchestrate a move to the Liberty, joining a team where she felt valued and positioned to thrive.

• Franchise Record Start and Leadership (2025): Instrumental in the Liberty opening 8–0—the best start in franchise history—she posted a record-setting +140 plus/minus through seven games, plus career-high assist and defensive metrics.

Natasha Cloud arrived in New York with the pedigree of a WNBA champion and years of experience leading from the backcourt. Her defensive edge and vocal leadership quickly made her an essential piece of the team’s ambitious chapter.

With double‑digit scoring and sharp playmaking, she brought balance to a roster stacked with stars, establishing herself as the steady veteran presence that New York Liberty needed to chase another deep playoff run.

Behind that vital role lies her contract, a deal reflecting her status as a proven leader. Structured to secure her place in the rotation, it represents both the trust in her and a key factor in shaping the franchise’s future roster decisions.

What is Natasha Cloud’s salary with New York Liberty?

Natasha Cloud’s current contract—a two‑year, $400,000 deal inherited from Phoenix—pays her $200,000 annually in both 2024 and 2025. All $400K is fully guaranteed, placing her among New York’s top earners, according to Spotrac.

In the hierarchy of the 2025 Liberty roster, her base salary ties with veterans like Tiffany Hayes and A’ja Wilson, reflecting her status as a tested two-way guard. While modest by superstar standards, her consistent pay acknowledges her decade-long impact.

Natasha Cloud’s contract: How long does the deal last?

New York acquired Natasha Cloud’s contract in a 2025 trade—her two-year agreement, originally signed February 1, 2024, runs through the 2025 WNBA season. No player or team options are included, as Sportskeeda reported.

Because her salary is fully guaranteed, she enters 2025 with financial stability and veteran status, offering roster and cap clarity for the Liberty as they build around star pieces.

As the 2025 season closes, she will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, with her performance and leadership likely influencing her next contract—and New York’s roster strategy.

Breanna Stewart has become one of the defining figures of modern basketball, a cornerstone of the New York Liberty and a global ambassador for the WNBA. Her journey reflects talent, persistence, and a relentless drive for excellence.

From championship triumphs to individual accolades, her career has been a blueprint for sustained success. Her dominance on the court is matched by her growing influence off it, reshaping conversations around women’s sports.

Beyond the stats and trophies lies a story of balance: managing fame, personal milestones, and a life beyond basketball. Her path offers a compelling look at what it means to thrive under the brightest lights.

How old is Breanna Stewart?

Breanna Stewart was born on August 27, 1994, making her 30 years old in 2025. She grew up in North Syracuse, New York, and rose to prominence at UConn before entering the WNBA as a top prospect. Her age today places her firmly in her athletic prime.

How tall is Breanna Stewart?

Breanna Stewart stands at a commanding 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighs around 170 lb (77 kg), giving her a powerful frame for her role at forward or center. Her height and wingspan give her versatility in the post and on the perimeter.

Breanna Stewart’s love life

Breanna Stewart is married to former pro basketball player Marta Xargay Casademont, whom she met while playing overseas in Russia. They wed in July 2021 and now share two children—Ruby Mae and Theo.

Their relationship reflects a blend of personal and professional intimacy, rooted in shared experience on the court. Together, they’ve navigated international leagues, Olympic triumphs, and the early years of parenthood under the public eye.

What position does Breanna Stewart play?

Breanna Stewart is primarily a power forward, but her skillset—ball handling, outside shooting, and defensive range—allows her to rotate between forward and center. This flexibility makes her one of the most adaptable players in the WNBA.

Her versatility drives matchup nightmares: she can post up, shoot over defenders, or switch onto guards when needed. It’s part of what distinguishes her as a two-time league MVP and key leader.

What is Breanna Stewart’s jersey number?

Breanna Stewart wears number 30 for the New York Liberty, a nod to consistency from her early WNBA days in Seattle. She has retained that number since entering the league as the first overall pick in 2016.

The number has become synonymous with her dominance across multiple franchises, and fans now associate “30” with her leadership, intensity, and on-court excellence.

Breanna Stewart’s career highlights

• WNBA dominance: He is a 3-time WNBA champion (2018, 2020 with the Seattle Storm; 2024 with the Liberty). Her ability to elevate her teams in the postseason cemented her as one of the league’s ultimate winners.

• Finals excellence: She earned two WNBA Finals MVPs (2018, 2020), proving her knack for performing at the highest level when stakes are at their peak.

• Individual accolades: A 2-time league MVP (2018, 2023), he has been named to multiple All-WNBA teams and has appeared in seven All-Star Games, consistently ranking among the league’s elite.

• Historic college career: At UConn, she won four consecutive NCAA championships and was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player each time, a feat unmatched in college basketball history.

• Global success: He has been a vital piece for Team USA, capturing multiple Olympic gold medals and FIBA World Cup titles, extending her dominance to the international stage.

• Liberty legacy: In 2024, she led the New York Liberty to their first WNBA championship, giving the franchise a landmark victory and solidifying her status as a transformative figure.

The reigning WNBA champions, the Aces, now sit at 17-7 after dismantling the Wings 106-80 behind another dominant performance from MVP A’ja Wilson. Dallas was short-handed in that game and struggled to keep pace, especially without the impact of Bueckers on the court.

While Dallas waits for clarity on Bueckers, the Liberty are dealing with a major absence of their own. Two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star Breanna Stewart will not suit up for New York after suffering a lower leg injury earlier this week against the Los Angeles Sparks. Although an MRI showed no significant damage and she’s expected to stay with the team on this road trip, Stewart’s absence is a massive blow for the Liberty.

The Wings will need to take advantage of the hole left by Stewart’s absence. That starts with attacking the paint and getting production from their guards. A healthy and productive Bueckers would be a major boost as Dallas looks to bounce back in front of their home fans.

Is Paige Bueckers available?

The Dallas Wings released their injury report Monday afternoon, and Bueckers is not listed—meaning she is expected to be active for the game against New York. The only players listed as out are Ty Harris (left knee) and Maddy Siegrist (right knee). In addition, Myisha Hines-Allen is set to return after missing Sunday’s game with a lower leg injury.

Bueckers was sidelined on Sunday as a precaution due to patellar tendinitis. With Dallas scheduled to play four games in six days, the coaching staff opted to rest their young guard to manage her workload and avoid long-term setbacks.

The Wings will welcome her return to the lineup. Bueckers last appeared in Thursday’s win over the Golden State Valkyries, scoring 17 points in 37 minutes. While Dallas hopes to maximize her production, they’ll need to carefully monitor her minutes moving forward.

What about the Liberty?

Sabrina Ionescu is coming off arguably her best performance of the season. She poured in 30 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals during Saturday night’s narrow loss to the Sparks. With Stewart sidelined early in that game, Ionescu stepped up and carried the offensive load, proving once again just how essential she is to New York’s success.

Sabrina Ionescu remains a cornerstone for the New York Liberty, locked into a multi‑year deal that secures her future with one of the WNBA’s top contenders as the franchise continues chasing a championship.

Her contract reflects her growing impact on and off the court, placing her among the league’s best‑compensated guards while allowing the franchise flexibility to build a roster around their star playmaker.

Ionescu’s deal also highlights the WNBA’s shifting financial landscape, where top talents are beginning to see contracts that better match their value as the league’s profile and revenues continue to rise.

What is Sabrina Ionescu’s salary with New York Liberty?

For the 2025 campaign, Sabrina Ionescu will earn a $208,060 base salary, ranking her among the top 15 highest-paid players in the WNBA. This places her just below teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and Arike Ogunbowale.

That figure represents the second and final year of her two-year extension, worth a total of $410,060. It marked a significant raise from her rookie earnings, demonstrating the Liberty’s commitment to investing in their cornerstone.

Although still below the WNBA’s maximum ceiling (~$241,984 in 2024), her salary reflects her elite status and rising market value. As a four-time All-Star and champion sharpshooter, she’s setting a new standard.

Sabrina Ionescu’s contract: How long will she be with New York Liberty?

Sabrina Ionescu signed a two-year extension in May 2023, which keeps her under contract through the 2025 season with no player or team options attached. New York used its core-designation wisely; her deal ensures stability during a period of ambitious roster building, even as free agency looms in 2026.

With the broader WNBA’s collective bargaining expiring in 2027, her contract timing positions her to maximize future earnings as league revenue and player salaries evolve, as Liberty WNBA site reported.