By Ezae Darby
“Liberty has been planted here; and the more it is attacked, the more it grows and flourishes.”
These impactful words were spoken by Samuel Sherwood, a 17th-century United States Representative from New York, which have resonated through generations, symbolizing resilience and progress. Today, these words capture the spirit of the New York Liberty women’s basketball team as they played a standout season. This year, the New York Liberty made headlines as they brought their first-ever WNBA championship to New York City.
The team is led by their star point guard, Sabrina Ionescu. As Ionescu put it, “If you can shoot, you can shoot,” a motto she’s proven through her achievements as the only NCAA player to amass 2,000 points, holding both the WNBA and NBA all-time record in the three-point contest, and leading the Liberty to their first WNBA championship. Sabrina can and does shoot—and does it with relentless precision and impact.
The team achieved this historic feat with an exceptional roster of players and a coaching staff led by head coach Sandy Brondello, who alongside all-stars like Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, led the Liberty to a season-record of 32-8, the best in the Eastern Conference and the league. Falling short of the finals last year, the Liberty returned with renewed purpose, resilience, and an unbreakable bond that pushed them to the ultimate victory.
The WNBA finals series set the Liberty against the Minnesota Lynx in an intense face off. Despite losing the first game due to stellar performances by Lynx players Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Napheesa Collier, the Liberty rebounded with a win in game two and took a 2-1 lead in the series. Game four turned into a nail-biter as the Lynx narrowly edged the Liberty by two points, evening the series at 2-2. Game five saw the Liberty recover with vigor, especially in the third and fourth quarters, despite a challenging start. With the support of New York City behind them, the Liberty overcame the Lynx in overtime, capturing their first WNBA championship on home turf in a display of tenacity that fans won’t soon forget.
The victory celebrations across New York were nothing short of cinematic. On Thursday, Oct. 24, NYC transformed into a scene of jubilant pride as New Yorkers flooded the streets from Battery Park to City Hall. Confetti filled the air as fans gathered to honor their champions parading on towering floats along Broadway. The celebration was led by Mayor Eric Adams, who awarded keys to the city to all the players. Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai, coach Brondello, and general manager Jonathan Kolb expressed pride in their team’s historic achievement, promising that this victory is just the beginning.
A separate celebration took place later that evening at Barclays Center. Featuring a dance performance from the Liberty’s timeless torch dance team, appearances by Lil’ Mama, and a finale where players embraced their fans, the evening captured the city’s profound support for women’s sports.
While the Liberty’s championship win is a milestone for the WNBA, it holds an even deeper significance in the ongoing quest for equity and representation for women in sports and in the workplace. Despite steady progress, data surrounding women’s employment has revealed a persistent need for change. As the Liberty took their title, they also became symbolic figures for young girls with aspirations across all domains.
To honor the WNBA Finals and International Day of the Girl, the Liberty, WNBA, and AT&T hosted a JR WNBA clinic for young girls in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. At the event, Liberty players participated in a panel where they shared stories about their journeys and teamwork. Afterward, the girls were invited to join skills stations, where they practiced basketball drills and created vision boards, visualizing their own future goals. For the young girls witnessing their heroes achieve greatness on such a prominent stage, these events and opportunities fuel a lasting inspiration, encouraging them to dream bigger and reach further.
In this landmark season, Ionescu, Stewart, and the New York Liberty have become icons for a new generation. In seeing their favorite players triumph, young girls are not only empowered to pursue their goals but also reminded that the barriers they face can be overcome. The Liberty’s achievement has resonated throughout New York and beyond, representing not only a victory in sports, but a triumph for women’s visibility, resilience, and boundless potential. Their championship has proven that, like Sherwood said, liberty once planted continues to flourish. Even when challenged, it serves as a beacon for change and progress—on and off the court.