The leader of the Liberty is officially back.
Star forward Breanna Stewart re-signed with the Liberty, the team announced Saturday. The deal solidifies Sandy Brondello’s core players weeks before the Liberty begin its quest for back-to-back WNBA titles.
The contract is a one-year, $208,400 guaranteed deal, per New York Post’s Madeline Kenney.
“Bringing Stewie back to the Liberty was our top priority this offseason,” general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. “Her impact on and off the court is immeasurable — she’s not only one of the best and most accomplished players in the world, but a leader whose relentless drive is foundational to the standard we continue to build upon in New York.”
Stewart’s re-signing with the Liberty was the final major offseason transaction left for Kolb. There were no concerns of Stewart walking away from the Big Apple, considering her aforementioned willingness to stay in the big market alongside stars Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.
Also, the Liberty had placed a core designation, which functions similarly to the NFL’s franchise tag, on her in January.
Now, the star is back for a third season in Brooklyn after she averaged franchise records of 21.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, alongside 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in her first 78 games with the Liberty.
Stewart will join new teammate Natasha Cloud, who the front office acquired via trade this month to fill the void left with Courtney Vandersloot’s departure to the Chicago Sky.
And Marine Johannes is back with the Liberty this summer after missing the entire 2024 WNBA season.
Kolb’s offseason moves keep the Liberty amongst the top tier of the WNBA’s power rankings as the franchise looks to add another championship after finally securing the first in franchise history in October.
The news of a new deal comes two weeks after sources told the Daily News Stewart underwent a successful minor scope on her right meniscus. The star is expected back on the court for training camp, which begins on April 27, per sources.
The procedure took place days after she wrapped up the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the winter 3-on-3 league she co-founded with Lynx star Naphessa Collier. Stewart appeared in all 14 games for the Mist while averaging 19.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
The Liberty will begin its season at home on May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces.
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