Three decisions that will influence the New York Liberty’s 2026 WNBA championship chase

Satou Sabally and Breanna Stewart. | NBAE via Getty Images Following the 2025 WNBA season, the New York Liberty leadership signaled their dissatisfaction with the season’s results, as their title defense withered away in the first round of the playoffs, by firing head coach Sandy Brondello. The Liberty’s offseason moves further indicate the team’s intention of returning to the top of the league.

Will New York’s decisions put the team in the best position possible to achieve this outcome? Here’s a closer look at the three most determinative decisions that Liberty have, or haven’t, made thus far. Liberty fans, share all your thoughts in the comments.

1. New York has recommitted to the Stewie-Sab-JJ core For all of Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb’s talk of “being proactive” and “evolution and innovation” in his press conference after firing Brondello, it seems those principles did not apply to the Liberty’s evaluation of their core of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, as there were no rumors that the organization would consider alternative stars in free agency. Stewie and Sabrina even announced their plans before the free agency period was established.

Considering the three were the foundation of the 2024 title, it’s understandable that New York is maintaining the trio. However, the same could have been said of Brondello, and she’s out the door. Furthermore, all three’s performances during the 2025 season raised legitimate questions about whether they can be the foundation of a team with true title viability moving forward.