There is a lot of uncertainty around WNBA by 2026.
We have no clear indication whether the league and players’ association will be able to avoid a lockout and finalize a new collective bargaining agreement. And even if you’re optimistic about both sides ratifying a deal, we still have to wait to see details on player in-season housing, salary, a potential start date for the 2026 regular season and much more.
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But some things are pretty clear when it comes to the Liberty.
EXPECT MORE COACH HIRING UNDER DEMARCO
The organization officially introduced new head coach Chris DeMarco in December after two months of research The dismissal of Sandy Brondello.
The team still has holes to fill, however.
Brondello’s husband, Olaf Lange, focused on defensive strategy and left with his wife. Data-driven offensive mind Sonia Raman left her assistant role and became the first person of Indian origin to become a head coach after accepting the role with the Seattle Storm.
Assistant Zach O’Brien also left New York and moved west to take an assistant coaching position with the Los Angeles Sparks.
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Those are three big voids to fill, and these hires should determine the direction of a new DeMarco era in New York.
“We’re trying to identify the right people,” DeMarco said after his introductory news conference in December. “They’re going to adapt to our culture and what we’re looking for. So it’s going to be a slower process. Again, I’m starting full time on January 1. But yeah, I definitely have a few names in mind, and I’ve had people that I’ve worked with in the past that I really like and can really contribute with.”
DO YOU EXPECT NO BIG MOVEMENT IN THE PROJECT
Liberty fans probably won’t need to glue their eyes to the TVs during the 2026 WNBA Draft — if it happens.
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The team currently only has one third-round pick (41st overall) for a possible spring draft.
A pick at this point in the draft will likely involve a player who will be stashed overseas and have the opportunity to attend training camp years down the road.
Last year, the Liberty’s only choice — third round selection Adja Kane – spent his season abroad.
GM KOLB WAITING FOR THE TRIO TO RETURN
Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich are the only Liberty players under contract for the 2026 season. All other players who participated in the 2025 WNBA season are either unrestricted free agents or reserved free agents.
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Under the old CBA, a reserve player is any person with three years of service or less who is subject to his franchise’s exclusive negotiating rights if the team extends him a reserved qualifying offer.
Essentially, almost the entire roster could return or reject the Liberty in free agency.
But Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb expects these three unrestricted free agents to re-sign: Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
The director general made this known in September days after the team’s early playoff exit.
“I’m convinced they want to come back with us,” Kolb said on September 25.
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Stewart made it clear she planned to return just minutes after Mercury eliminated her team in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series. Ionescu, who was sitting next to Stewart at the post-match podium, made eye contact with Stewart and nodded in agreement.
Jones, who was not one of the two designated players present at the postgame podium in Game 3, has made no public indication that he will leave New York in free agency.
