Chris DeMarco is eagerly anticipating his new role as head coach of the New York Liberty. Although his official start date is January 1st, he will continue serving as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors until then.
During his introductory press conference, DeMarco expressed excitement about the opportunity, citing the Liberty as a strong franchise with championship potential. Interestingly, his final game with the Warriors will be against the Brooklyn Nets just before 2026 begins.
DeMarco has been with the Warriors for 13 years, holding various roles including player development and assistant coaching, and contributing to four NBA championship wins. He has immersed himself in learning about the WNBA’s history, preparing for the shift from fan to coach.
Several Liberty players, including Sabrina Ionescu, Bethonia Rainey-Hamilton, Isabelle Harrison, and Nyara Sabally, attended the press event. Following this, DeMarco hosted a basketball clinic for 60 girls at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, warmly welcomed by a sign from the attendees.
The Liberty boast a strong roster, especially if stars Brianna Stewart and Jonquel Jones choose to re-sign; both players are currently free agents. New York GM Jonathan Kolb is optimistic that the team’s key players will remain once a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.
DeMarco joins the WNBA ranks with NBA coaching experience, alongside coaches Alex Salama of Portland and Sonia Raman of Seattle, part of a group of five new coaches added this offseason. He has exchanged insights with Phoenix’s GM and coach, both of whom have NBA backgrounds.
Kolb appreciates DeMarco’s versatility and dedication, pointing out his leadership of the Bahamas national team since 2019. Kolb praised DeMarco’s blend of strategic skill, intelligence, and relentless work ethic as a good fit for the Liberty’s players.
Fan Take: This hire signals a promising new chapter for the New York Liberty, blending NBA-level expertise with a passion for women’s basketball that can elevate the team’s performance. For WNBA fans, DeMarco’s arrival could mean increased competitiveness and visibility for the league, fueling growth and excitement around the sport.
