There is a lot of buzz around Brooklyn right now. The New York Liberty are coming off a championship season and heading into 2025 with high expectations. They’ve got talent, veteran experience, and a fan base that’s ready for more. NYC injury attorneys admire teams that know how to push through challenges.
Preparation, discipline, and the ability to bounce back under pressure — that is what it takes to win, both on the court and in life. In this post, we’ll take a look at what’s ahead for the Liberty: offseason moves, roster depth, key players to watch, how the coach is adjusting, what the early schedule looks like, and how the team’s making waves off the court too.
Offseason Moves & Roster Changes
The offseason brought a mix of setbacks and fresh opportunities for the Liberty. The biggest loss? Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is out for the season following knee surgery. She has been a major part of the team’s defensive identity. Another concern is Breanna Stewart, who spent the offseason rehabbing a minor knee injury. She is expected to return early, but the team will likely ease her back in.
Still, New York made key decisions to stay competitive. Stewart signed a one-year deal worth $208,000, showing the mutual commitment to go for another title. The team also kept Marine Johannès and Kennedy Burke, two players who bring energy off the bench.
One of the most talked-about moves was trading for Natasha Cloud. With Courtney Vandersloot gone, Cloud steps in as the new floor leader — someone who knows how to take control in big moments. Isabelle Harrison was added during training camp, adding size and depth to the forward rotation.
Younger players like Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally, and Esmery Martínez are also expected to play bigger roles this season. Their development will be important, especially with injuries thinning out the rotation.
Star Player Expectations
All eyes are on Breanna Stewart again. Even coming off surgery, she is still one of the best two-way players in the league. Her presence on defense changes everything, and if she can return to form, she will be key in any playoff run.
Sabrina Ionescu is another name to watch. She had a dip in three-point shooting last season, but still managed to represent the team at the All-Star Game and compete in the 3-Point Contest. With better spacing in the new offensive system, she has a real shot at breaking the single-season three-point record.
Jonquel Jones made a big impact during the 2024 Finals and is looking even better now. The coaching staff wants her to be a consistent double-double threat, especially with the team’s new five-out approach that pulls defenders away from the paint.
Natasha Cloud will bring structure and stability to the offense. She can guard multiple positions and is great at getting teammates into rhythm.
Leonie Fiebich impressed during the 2024 playoffs and is expected to see more minutes. She can defend, shoot from outside, and plays with good instincts. Nyara Sabally, under contract through 2026, is also poised to take another step forward after flashing strong Finals performances last season.
Coaching Outlook & Strategy
Sandy Brondello returns for her fourth season and is already showing how well she adapts. With a longer 44-game season and a few players recovering from injury, she’s focused on rotating lineups and managing workloads.
The team is leaning into a five-out offensive setup — spacing the floor with shooters while letting bigs like Jones operate from the perimeter. It creates more flexibility, which Brondello has used well. In just the first half of the season, she tested out 10 different starting lineups to respond to matchups and player health.
Season Opener & First-Half Schedule
The season started with a bang. The Liberty faced the Las Vegas Aces on May 17 at Barclays Center, raising the 2024 championship banner in front of a packed crowd. The game aired nationally on ABC, setting the tone for what this season could be.
This year is the longest in WNBA history, with 44 regular-season games and a new best-of-seven Finals format. Despite a few bumps, the Liberty opened strong, going 9–0 before dropping a few games on the road. They hit the All-Star break at 15–6.
The early schedule has not been easy. Thirteen of their first 23 games were away, with tough matchups against teams like the Lynx and Aces. How they handle this stretch will say a lot about how far they can go.
Off the Court: Hype & Community Buzz
The Liberty is not just a basketball team — they’ve become a part of the city’s culture. From Met Gala cameos to brand partnerships like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, these players are showing up everywhere.
Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud both made headlines during the All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. And back home, Liberty games at Barclays have become high-energy events with packed sections, big intros, and loud fans.
The banner reveal was a proud moment, not just for the team but for Brooklyn. It confirmed that this franchise is back where it belongs — on top.
Conclusion
Even with some early injuries, the Liberty has the tools to make another deep run. Their mix of experience, young talent, and smart coaching puts them in a strong position to defend their title. If Stewart and Ionescu stay healthy and the role players step up, expect this team to be right in the mix come September.
NYC Injury Attorneys, P.C. admires the Liberty’s commitment to recovery, preparation, and teamwork. It is the same mindset we bring when helping clients through tough times. As the season heats up, we invite you to follow the team’s journey — and if you ever need trusted support after an injury, our team is here to help.