The New York Liberty Celebrates its Historic Championship
The Barclays Center witnessed a historic moment on Saturday, as the first championship banner in the history of the New York Liberty slowly ascended to its permanent place in the heights.
The ceremony, which celebrated the conquest of the previous year’s title, took place before the start of the 2025 season against the Las Vegas Aces. The green banner, symbol of victory, was raised above the court while the players watched in amazement.
Minutes earlier, the team members received their championship rings. Breanna Stewart, accompanied by her 3-year-old daughter Ruby and her 1-year-old son Theo, received her ring. This was the third title for Stewart, who won two with Seattle, but the first with her children present.
Sabrina Ionescu, the first pick of the 2020 draft, was the last player to be introduced and received a long ovation from the sold-out crowd.
We are very grateful, thank you for being part of this championship journey for us. We have to repeat it. We need the energy, the love, and the support.
Sabrina Ionescu
The New York Liberty, being the last of the original franchises still active to win a championship, achieved the feat dramatically, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime in a decisive Game 5 last year.
Clara Wu Tsai, co-owner of the Liberty, stated during the ceremony that the team “represents the best of New York City: creativity, courage, effort, and resilience.”
Furthermore, he added that this was “our first championship, but it won’t be the last.”
The Aces remained in their locker room during the ceremony. Coach Becky Hammon, who played for the Liberty in her early years in the league, expressed mixed feelings in Friday’s training.
I have a lot of respect for this organization. A lot of respect for Joe (Tsai) and Clara. I thought they were the best team last year and the best team gets rings.
Becky Hammon
Chelsea Gray, who has been part of three championship teams, has already experienced this situation before, when she played for Los Angeles.
The Sparks opened the 2018 season in Minnesota after losing to the Lynx in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals the previous year.
Gray scored a basket at the buzzer to win the first game and ruin the night for Minnesota that year. He hopes to do the same on Saturday.
It’s an added incentive, the visiting team always tries to ruin ring night.
Chelsea Gray
