5 Bold Predictions for the New York Liberty's 2026 Season

Eighteen months removed from the franchise's first championship run, the New York Liberty are looking to get back on top of the WNBA behind a boletered roster.

The Liberty have re-signed the key pieces of their core, including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu. They've also added a formidable piece to elevate the roster by signing Satou Sabally from the Phoenix Mercury, giving them yet another legitimate scoring option.

A new head coach will also shape the team's direction this season, as former Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco replaces Sandy Brondello with a focus on simplifying the offense and creating a more natural flow.

This team has plenty of strengths, but that doesn't mean it won't run into challenges. Here are five predictions about how the Liberty's season could unfold:

Liberty Will Win at Least Seven of First 10 Games

Last year, the Libs stormed out to a franchise-best 9-0 start before losing to the Indiana Fever in mid-June. Though New York's offense faced some inconsistencies and injuries later in the season, this year will challenge them to accommodate multiple high-usage players at once.

This is especially a concern, because Sabally, Ionescu and Stewart all operate best with the ball and rank high in usage rate. Because of that, there could be a learning curve where their skill sets overlap. Finding that balance will take time, but a soft early schedule could mask those growing pains. The Liberty will need to establish clear offensive responsibilities and communication, but after their positions are clearly established, they should be positioned to improve in the second half.

Breanna Stewart Will Top 20 PPG, Average Career-High in Assists

The 31-year-old Stewart, a seven-time All-Star and two-time MVP, remains one of the league's elite two-way forwards even though her statistics slipped slightly last season.

Despite missing time in the second half of 2025 and playing through a sprained MCL in the playoffs, Stewart still averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. While strong by ordinary standards, it marked her lowest scoring average since her rookie season in 2016.

With a healthy return and roster built around multiple scoring threats, Stewart will have more opportunities to expand her role as a secondary playmaker. Rather than carrying the offense, she'll be able to create for others while maintaining her scoring presence. That shift could lead to an increase in assists beyond her career best of 3.8 per game in 2023, while returning to a 20-plus points per game average and helping put the team in the "flow state" she mentioned was missing last year.

Sabrina Ionescu Will Also Average a Career-High in Assists

Natasha Cloud's exit after one season with the Liberty will put more even focus on Ionescu.

Ionescu adapted well to the dual-guard lineup position in 2025, still maintaining high overall production with 18.2 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, which ranked sixth in the WNBA. This year, Ionescu will be the unquestioned initiator with the ball in her hands rather than sharing that responsibility with another ball-dominant guard.

Under DeMarco's new, faster offensive system, Ionescu will have more possessions to create with the ball and find teammates for efficient shots. This year will be the season Ionescu breaks her personal best of 6.3 assists per game from 2022, while also maintaining her deep-range shooting ability.

Jonquel Jones Will Average a Double-Double After the All-Star Break

Jones has consistently proven to be the piece that connects the Liberty when it matters most, including winning the 2024 Finals MVP award. With several scoring options and the addition of Sabally, Jones might be underutilized to start the season.

But that won't last.

After dealing with injuries in 2025, a healthy return this season should allow her to regain her consistency and maintain her role as the Libs' offensive connector. Jones' impact has already been proven. When she records a double-double, the Liberty typically win.

As the season progresses, Jones will be prepared to take on a larger offensive role. Additionally, DeMarco's new offensive system has given Jones and the Libs more structure on the court, as opposed to reacting to the defense. That adjustment should allow Jones to remain a reliable piece and key figure during the second half of the season.

Record Prediction: 29-15

Last year, the Liberty entered the playoffs as the No. 5 seed by finishing 27-17. Though they have the talent to match or surpass that total, adjusting to DeMarco's system could impact their regular-season record.

Shifting into new expectations and establishing a consistent rotation could cause searly growing pains. However, once those adjustments are made, the Liberty's depth and experience position them well for postseason play. Their ability to adapt and execute in high-pressure situations should allow them to move past the first round of the playoffs, improving on last season's early postseason exit.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM.