The Liberty Just Locked In Three All-Stars and the Rest of the WNBA Better Take Notice

The New York Liberty made their biggest move of the offseason official on Friday, and it's a statement that echoes all the way across the league. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones all signed contracts to stay with the franchise for the 2026 season, and yeah, the financial details are under wraps, but the message is crystal clear: this team is building something real.

Three Cornerstones, One Goal

Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb didn't mince words when he announced the signings. "This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise," he said. "Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase."

Stewart and Ionescu had already teased their intentions earlier in April, but getting all three locked in together on the same day? That's the kind of momentum a franchise rides into playoff season. Kolb called it "a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball," and honestly, he's not wrong.

What They're Bringing Back

Stewart, 31, is a two-time MVP (2018 with Seattle, 2023 with New York) and a three-time WNBA champion. Last season she averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists across 31 games while earning her seventh All-Star nod. For her career, she's putting up 20.5 points and 8.5 boards per game across 292 games, all starts.

Ionescu, 28, has been a Liberty lifer since being the No. 1 overall pick in 2020. The Oregon product is a four-time All-Star who averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season. She's a one-time WNBA champion and has spent her entire seven-year career in New York.

Jones rounds out the trio at 32 years old, a 2021 WNBA MVP who averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds last season across 31 games. Over her career with Connecticut and New York, she's averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 306 games.

The Message

This is what commitment looks like in the WNBA. Three stars choosing to invest in each other and the long-term vision of one organization instead of chasing max money elsewhere. The Liberty aren't just building a team, they're building a legacy. And the rest of the league is watching.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.