Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu Are Staying in New York, and the Liberty Just Locked Down Their Future

Two of the best players in women's basketball just took free agency off the table. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu both announced Wednesday that they're re-signing with the New York Liberty, ending any speculation about where they'll play next season and signaling serious commitment to contention in the Emerald City's neighboring metropolis.

Stewart: No Meetings, No Drama, Just New York

Stewart, 31, made it crystal clear on her podcast with Milwaukee Bucks guard Myles Turner. "I'm going to just set the record straight here: I will be staying in New York," she said. "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."

This is her fourth season with the Liberty and her tenth WNBA campaign overall. Last season, she averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games and earned her seventh All-Star selection. She's a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and then with New York in 2023. Over her career, she's a three-time WNBA champion with titles in 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, plus 2024 with New York. Her career numbers are solid: 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games.

Ionescu: "I'm Where I'm Supposed to Be"

Ionescu made her announcement at USA Basketball training camp in Phoenix. "Obviously I'm where I'm supposed to be," the 28-year-old said. "Never thought anything different, and so excited to be able to sign and get started."

The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 has spent her entire seven-year WNBA career with New York. She's a four-time All-Star who last season averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games. Career wise, she's averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games with one WNBA title from 2024.

Paychecks About to Get Real

Both players earned just over $222,000 last season, but here's where it gets interesting: the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was finalized last month is about to dramatically increase their salaries. These two just locked in their future at the exact right time.

The Liberty are set to tip off their season with Stewart and Ionescu back and ready to go.

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