There is significant uncertainty surrounding the WNBA as 2026 approaches. It remains unclear whether the league and the players’ association can avoid a lockout and successfully negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. Even if both parties are hopeful about reaching a deal, details concerning in-season player housing, salaries, and the potential start date for the 2026 regular season are still unknown.
However, some clarity exists around the New York Liberty. Following a two-month search after Sandy Brondello was dismissed, Chris DeMarco was appointed as the new head coach in December. Despite this, the team still faces several staffing gaps. Brondello’s husband, Olaf Lange, who focused on defensive strategies, departed along with her, while offensive strategist Sonia Raman left to join the Seattle Storm as an assistant coach, becoming the first person of Indian descent to hold a head coaching position. Additionally, assistant coach Zach O’Brien left to work with the Los Angeles Sparks. These departures leave significant positions to fill, and these new hires are expected to shape the Liberty’s future under DeMarco. DeMarco emphasized the importance of finding the right personnel who fit the team culture and mentioned that the process will be gradual, with some familiar faces from his past potentially joining the staff.
Regarding the draft, the Liberty are not expected to make any major moves. Currently, they only hold a third-round pick (41st overall) eligible for the spring draft, which typically involves selecting players who might be signed overseas and possibly join training camp in a few years. For example, last year’s third-round pick, Aja Cain, spent the season playing overseas.
General Manager Jonathan Kolb anticipates that the trio of unrestricted free agents — Jonquel Jones, Brianna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu — will re-sign with the team. Only Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fibic are currently under contract for the 2026 season, while the rest of the roster consists of unrestricted or reserved free agents. Under the previous collective bargaining agreement, reserved players are those with three or fewer years of service who could be subject to exclusive negotiating rights if the team offers a Reserved Qualifying Offer. Despite the potential for many players to leave, Kolb expressed confidence in late September that Jones, Stewart, and Ionescu want to remain with the Liberty. Stewart showed determination to bounce back immediately after their playoff exit, and Ionescu appeared equally committed, while Jones has not indicated any intention to depart publicly.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for WNBA fans as it highlights both the potential and challenges ahead for the Liberty, one of the league’s most prominent teams. How the front office and coaching staff come together will not only impact New York’s success but could also influence broader league dynamics, especially with the looming uncertainty surrounding the league’s collective bargaining agreement and the 2026 season start.
