Breanna Stewart is officially back with the New York Liberty for the 2025 WNBA season. The reigning champions announced on Saturday that Stewart has signed a one-year contract worth $208,400, making her the highest-paid player on the team.
At 30 years old, Stewart was the most sought-after free agent this year. However, she made it clear that her heart was set on staying with the Liberty. General Manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized how crucial Stewart is to the team, praising her talent and leadership both on and off the court.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Liberty have used the core designation on Stewart, a move similar to the NFL’s franchise tag. This designation allows her to be eligible for a supermax contract, which could have been worth over $249,000. Stewart chose a lower salary again this year to help the team manage their budget and improve the roster.
The delay in finalizing her contract was due to the Liberty’s recent trades and signings. Earlier this month, they traded two first-round picks to acquire veteran guard Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun. They also re-signed Marine Johannès, a French player who missed last season due to the Paris Olympics.
The Liberty are coming off two successful seasons, including a championship win in 2024 after a thrilling five-game finals against the Minnesota Lynx. Key players like Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will also return, keeping the championship core intact.
However, the team will miss Courtney Vandersloot, who has signed with the Chicago Sky after a playoff role change, and Kayla Thornton, who was picked up by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft.
Stewart, who spent her first seven years in the league with the Seattle Storm, has made a significant impact since joining the Liberty in 2022. Last season, she led the team with an average of 20.4 points per game and contributed with 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. She was also recognized as a six-time All-Star and finished third in MVP voting last season.
With Stewart back in the fold, the Liberty will look to defend their title and continue their success in the upcoming season.