Despite a disappointing 2025 season, the Liberty’s goal seems to remain unchanged: win a championship with a big three of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. GM Jonathan Kolb said in his end-of-season interview that he was confident all three would return. However, the supporting cast around them may change. As of now, only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for the 2026 season.

Due to the 2020 CBA expiring, almost every veteran will be a free agent. That creates a unique opportunity for teams to build the best rosters possible and New York has a certain draw for free agents. If the big three re-sign, the Liberty already have the basis for a title contender. They also have a reputation for taking care of their players and making the necessary investments. So, the Liberty could win big in free agency.

However, their biggest addition might not even come out of free agency. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is expected to make a full return from a knee injury that kept her out for the 2025 season, and, by suspending her contract, the Liberty maintained her exclusive negotiation rights for the 2026 season.

Betijah Laney-Hamilton was an integral part of the Liberty’s championship team

Laney-Hamilton only played 28 games in the 2024 regular season due to another knee injury, but was still a key piece during the Liberty’s championship run. She was the team’s fifth-leading scorer during the playoffs and contributed heavily to the Liberty’s stifling defense. The Liberty had the best defensive rating in the 2024 postseason, in part because of the wing duo of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Leonie Fiebich.

When she was available during the regular season, Laney-Hamilton was the Liberty’s designated 3-and-D wing in a starting lineup that also featured Ionescu, Stewart, Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot. Later, Fiebich took Vandersloot’s spot in the starting lineup and formed one of the best defensive duos in the league with Laney-Hamilton.

Laney-Hamilton already proved how well she fit around the Liberty’s core. Getting her back healthy might be the key for the Liberty to get back to contention.

Laney-Hamilton isn’t just a great defender, though. She is also a reliable 3-point threat, who can space the floor for the Liberty’s stars to go to work. She shot at least 37% on over three attempts per game for the last three seasons. Laney-Hamilton plays the 3-and-D role well, but can also step up if her team needs more from her. For example, she scored 18 points on 7-14 shooting from the field in a 77-70 win over the Seattle Storm, in which Stewart and Ionescu struggled to convert their shot attempts.

Getting back to the top will require a lot of work. The Liberty will have to nail their head coaching hire and free agency, but getting a healthy season out of Laney-Hamilton might end up being the difference-maker.