For over a decade, the Barclays Center rafters lacked any sign of true team accomplishment.
For too long it looked lackluster.
The banners hanging atop the arena are mostly honoring singular talents, including NBA Hall of Famers Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. There’s even a banner celebrating Brooklyn’s own legendary rapper Biggie Smalls.
What a historic day for the 2024 @WNBA CHAMPS 🏆💍 pic.twitter.com/M6kjxGTp7Y
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 17, 2025
But nothing to highlight a huge team accomplishment. That changed on Saturday afternoon.
Finally, the Liberty got to enjoy the final piece of last year’s thrilling WNBA Finals run by watching the elusive title banner rise up to the rafters before Saturday’s 92-78 season-opening win against the Las Vegas Aces.
The seafoam green banner slowly rose to the top of the arena while payers, staff and fans watched in awe. It hangs in the Liberty’s home arena and serves as a sign of what’s expected from the teams that call Barclays Center home — for both men and women.
“I think it just creates a standard for anyone that comes into Barclays,” three-time champion Breanna Stewart said. Stewart noted after Saturday’s win that each of her rings are special and not meant to be worn.
“Whether it’s us playing or the Nets. Championship mindset and mentality for everybody amongst this franchise. It’s a special thing. I think it was incredible and I’ve been looking forward to having this moment of celebrating with the fans just because they deserve it too. But that’s what you’re going to see every time you come in here.”
The moment transpired seven months after the Liberty defeated the Minessota Lynx in a riveting five-game WNBA Finals.
The Aces stayed in their locker room while the ceremony took place.
The event included a video tribute narrated by Liberty great Sue Wicks, celebratory remarks from team owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai and of course, the ring distribution.
Some closer looks at the Liberty’s championship rings pic.twitter.com/wShqZmCu8X
— Fiifi Frimpong (@FiifiFrimpong) May 17, 2025
The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, feature details fitting for players who delivered the team’s first-ever title: a single diamond representing the team’s lone title; 28 Paraiba stones to signify the Liberty’s years in the association; six carats of white diamonds reflect the years under current ownership; and 11 black diamonds for each win achieved in last year’s postseason.
“Wow it’s so big,” said Stewart. “It’s so big. And so shiny.
Teammate Sabrina Ionescu was also blown away by the first-of-its-kind design, which has a top that can be removed.
Whats’s under the top? A pair of Liberty themed earrings for everyday use.
“I haven’t even really like taken it apart and seen all the cool features of it,” Ionescu said. “I knew it was going to be big because we play for New York Liberty. So I knew our owners are going to make sure we felt all the love.”
The ceremony induced emotions from the Liberty members. Before the players even reached the court, the home crowd roared as camera crews displayed the defending champions on the jumbotron. During the ceremony, Ionescu recalled 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones saying “I need a tissue. I’m getting emotional.”
For Kennedy Burke, the feelings were mutual.
“I almost cried,” she said. “The fact that my dad was here to really experience the ring ceremony — the first game of 2025 — it was just really amazing. It’s kind of a feeling you can’t describe.”
After Saturday’s season-opening win, the Liberty began the 2025 season in the right direction. And everyone involved is ready to recreate Saturday’s ceremony.
“This is our first championship, but it will not be our last,” said Clara Wu Tsai.
