Breanna Stewart to Stay with New York Liberty Ahead of WNBA Free Agency

Liberty star says she's not planning on taking any free agency meetings despite being an unrestricted free agent.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:38pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and plays of basketball player Breanna Stewart, with sharp geometric shapes and vibrant colors capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.Breanna Stewart's decision to remain with the New York Liberty signals a commitment to building a championship contender in the WNBA's unprecedented free agency period.NYC Today

WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart announced on her podcast that she will be staying with the New York Liberty, despite being an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Stewart, along with teammate Sabrina Ionescu, could potentially become the WNBA's first million-dollar players under the new collective bargaining agreement which includes major salary increases.

Why it matters

Stewart's decision to remain with the Liberty is a major boost for the franchise as it looks to build on its first championship in 2024. With the WNBA facing unprecedented free agency this offseason, Stewart's commitment provides stability and continuity for the Liberty as they aim to contend for another title.

The details

On her 'Game Recognize Game with Stewie and Myles' podcast, Stewart stated plainly: 'I will be staying in New York. I'm not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent. My family is set up here. We're solid here... I'm going to be back in New York, and that's all there is to it.' Stewart and Ionescu were instrumental in leading the Liberty to their first WNBA championship in 2024, though the team fell short in the playoffs this past season.

  • The 2026 WNBA regular season begins on May 8.
  • The league has not yet announced when free agency will start.

The players

Breanna Stewart

A WNBA superstar who has won three titles with the New York Liberty and is considered one of the best players in the league.

Sabrina Ionescu

Stewart's teammate on the New York Liberty, who along with Stewart could become the WNBA's first million-dollar players under the new CBA.

Cheryl Miller

A former USC star and broadcaster who was honored by The Associated Press as one of the greatest players of the women's college basketball poll era, alongside Breanna Stewart.

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What they’re saying

“I will be staying in New York. I'm not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent. My family is set up here. We're solid here... I'm going to be back in New York, and that's all there is to it.”

— Breanna Stewart, WNBA Player

“I want to say thank you to the AP for voting me best college basketball player of the last 25 years. Especially to be named to this honor alongside Cheryl Miller. There's been so many women's hoops players who have gone through college and made their mark. Shoutout to my Huskies. ... Nobody's taking our four national championships away from us.”

— Breanna Stewart

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Stewart's decision to remain with the Liberty is a major win for the franchise as it looks to build on its first WNBA championship. With the league facing unprecedented free agency, Stewart's commitment provides stability and continuity as the Liberty aim to contend for another title.