Even with the painful conclusion to the 2025 season, Brenna Stewart didn’t hesitate when discussing next year’s plans on Friday night.
She turned sharply to glance at Sabrina Ionescu, who sat across the podium after a disappointing loss in Phoenix.
Ionescu closed her eyes, and Stewart nodded slightly as they shared a mutual wish for improvement—a silent agreement, perhaps.
The Liberty’s hopes for a 2024 title defense crashed in the first round against a tough Mercury team.
It felt like a punch in the gut. This wasn’t the ending they had envisioned for this chapter. New York began the season strong, racking up nine straight wins, but injuries later pushed them down to fifth place.
Even though they managed to win Game 1 in Phoenix, the team suffered a frustrating collapse in front of their Brooklyn fans.
On Friday, Stewart played despite a spinning MCL, trying her best to lead the team to victory. Unfortunately, her efforts fell short as her teammate went scoreless in the last 10 minutes, ending the game at 79-73.
“We’re all disappointed,” Leonie Fevich stated. “We didn’t expect our season to wrap up this way, and it’s incredibly frustrating.”
This loss signals a tumultuous offseason filled with uncertainty. Issues around the volatile collective bargaining agreement, two upcoming drafts, and free agency loom on the horizon.
I think change is, well, inevitable to some degree. The disappointment is still fresh, making it tough to predict where these changes will occur—whether it’s at the top or within the reserve players.
Ionescu described the team as “really special,” yet acknowledged that success is what matters most in a results-driven business, and they fell short of expectations.
“Teams often look different from year to year,” she said. “We have a core group of committed players who want to persevere through both good and bad times. You can’t always be at the top enjoying parades and popping champagne.”
The organization now faces pivotal decisions that General Manager Jonathan Kolb must confront in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Jonquel Jones played a vital role in last year’s championship win and remains a key player for Liberty. However, after missing a month of this season due to an ankle injury, her contributions dwindled.
Jones averaged only 6.1 points in the last eight games, including three in the playoffs, tallying just 17 points in the first round.
While her defense against Alyssa Thomas and rebounding were crucial, she wasn’t the playoff performer needed. Acknowledging her role in the team’s struggles, she stated, “We can hold people accountable, including myself.”
Jones hopes to make her impact felt in 2026.
“We know that the team chemistry and the people we surround ourselves with are essential for building a solid foundation,” she said. “We love New York and want to win more championships.”
The Liberty could be looking at a possible return as some players recover from injuries this offseason. Fiebich has two years left on his rookie contract, while Sabally has one.
Marine Johanne and Rebekah Garder, both free agents, have seen their roles diminish in recent weeks, meaning the team has exclusive negotiating rights with them. New York also has a promising pool of prospects.
Players like Natasha Cloud, Isabel Harrison, Kennedy Burke, Emma Meesman, and Stephanie Talbot will join Jones, Stewart, and Ionescu as unrestricted free agents.
Ionescu expressed her honor at playing alongside Stewart, adding that she hopes to remain with her for the long haul.
“I admire Stewie and want to play alongside her for the rest of my career,” Ionescu noted, highlighting her dedication and effort.
Fevich mentioned that it’s easy to drown in negativity right now, but she remains optimistic.
“I feel like I still have time and I’m grateful for the lessons this season taught us,” she said. “Of course, I wish we could have done better, but I didn’t want the season to end like this.”
This season reminded everyone that, even with immense talent, chemistry and continuity are vital for success.
Injuries weren’t the sole reason for their downfall; the team struggled with changes in roles and lineup stability, which ultimately proved costly.
“You have to appreciate the times when everything seems to click,” Stewart reflected. “We gave everything we could with the chances we had, and we can’t blame injuries for this loss.”
