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Image Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Image Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The New York Liberty are entering a vital offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign ended in a first-round playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury. The defending champions, who won five fewer regular season games than the year prior, now face sweeping changes both on the court and on the sidelines.
Head coach Sandy Brondello will not return after four seasons, leaving the franchise searching for new leadership at a time when roster stability is far from guaranteed. Nine Liberty players are set to hit free agency, including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.
With so many key contributors unsigned, the challenge of retaining the championship core is massive. The uncertainty surrounding the coaching vacancy only adds to the turbulence, raising the possibility that some stars may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Ionescu’s Bay Area Ties Make Valkyries a Natural Fit
For Sabrina Ionescu, the offseason could present a chance to return home. The guard grew up in Walnut Creek, California, just a short drive from San Francisco, where the Golden State Valkyries have quickly established themselves as the WNBA’s newest franchise. A move west would reunite Ionescu with her roots while giving Golden State the offensive spark they lacked in 2025.
The Valkyries finished among the league’s lowest-scoring teams despite their overall success. Adding one of the WNBA’s premier three-point shooters alongside Veronica Burton, Carla Leite, and Kate Martin would immediately strengthen their backcourt and secure a youthful guard rotation for years to come.
Golden State’s offensive identity already leans heavily on perimeter shooting. The Valkyries attempted more threes than any other team last season, though they ranked third-worst in accuracy. Even so, they led the league with 9.7 made threes per game. Sabrina Ionescu’s elite shooting ability could elevate those numbers further, potentially transforming Golden State into the most dangerous long-range team in the league.
Will Sabrina Ionescu Stay Loyal to New York or Seek a Fresh Start?
Despite the appeal of a Bay Area homecoming, Sabrina Ionescu’s departure from New York is far from certain. Drafted first overall by the Liberty in 2020, she has already delivered a championship to the franchise and continues to play alongside elite teammates in Stewart and Jones. Breanna Stewart has publicly committed to returning next season, a factor that could weigh heavily in Ionescu’s decision.
Sabrina Ionescu herself has not made definitive statements about her future but has voiced confidence in the Liberty’s foundation. Following the playoff loss to Phoenix, she emphasized the importance of commitment through both triumph and adversity. “I think we all know that the team never looks the same every single year,” she said. “But I think we understand [who] our core, our core players, the players who are committed to wanting to be here… You can’t just want to be a part of it when you’re on top and enjoying a parade and popping champagne bottles.”
Those remarks came before Brondello’s departure, a move that could influence the decisions of both Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. If the Liberty’s instability proves too great, the possibility of Ionescu returning to the Bay Area may become more than speculation.
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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.
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