New York Liberty

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the New York Liberty?

The New York Liberty are owned by Joe Tsai, a prominent businessman and the co-founder of Alibaba Group. Tsai acquired the team in January 2019 from The Madison Square Garden Company, which previously owned the Liberty since their inception in 1997. Joe Tsai is also well-known as the owner of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, making him a key figure in New York's professional basketball landscape. Under his ownership, the Liberty have experienced a revitalized presence, moving into the state-of-the-art Barclays Center in Brooklyn and attracting top-tier talent. Tsai's commitment to growing women's professional basketball and investing in the WNBA has been widely praised. His vision includes providing the Liberty with the resources, facilities, and marketing support necessary to compete at the highest level and to help expand the reach of women's basketball both in New York and across the nation.

Why did the Liberty leave MSG?

The New York Liberty left Madison Square Garden (MSG) primarily due to financial and logistical reasons. In 2018, The Madison Square Garden Company, then the team's owner, announced the Liberty would play the majority of their home games at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. This move was driven by the high operating costs and scheduling conflicts associated with playing at MSG, one of the world's busiest arenas. The smaller venue allowed the Liberty to reduce expenses and find a more sustainable business model while the team sought new ownership. After Joe Tsai acquired the Liberty in 2019, the team moved to Barclays Center in Brooklyn in 2020, providing a modern arena and a fresh start in a vibrant borough. The shift from MSG marked a significant transition, aligning with the WNBA's broader strategy to enhance the visibility and financial stability of its franchises.

Who is number 22 for the New York Liberty?

Number 22 for the New York Liberty is Sabrina Ionescu, one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA. Drafted first overall by the Liberty in the 2020 WNBA Draft, Ionescu quickly became the face of the franchise thanks to her exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership. A standout collegiate athlete at the University of Oregon, Ionescu set multiple NCAA records, including the most career triple-doubles in Division I basketball history. With the Liberty, she has continued to impress, earning All-Star selections and playing a pivotal role in the team's pursuit of a WNBA championship. Ionescu's dynamic style and impressive stats have made her a fan favorite and a key component of the Liberty's resurgence. Her presence in New York has brought heightened attention to the team, with many fans flocking to Barclays Center to watch her in action.

What is the New York Liberty mascot?

The official mascot of the New York Liberty is "Ellie the Elephant." Introduced in 2021, Ellie embodies the team's values of strength, resilience, and community spirit. The choice of an elephant as the mascot symbolizes power, intelligence, and unity

Which channels are showing WNBA games today?

WNBA games are broadcast on a variety of channels and streaming platforms to reach a broad audience. Nationally, you can catch live WNBA games on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and CBS Sports Network. Additionally, Ion Television and NBA TV regularly air select games throughout the season. For fans looking to stream, platforms like ESPN+ and WNBA League Pass offer comprehensive coverage, including live games and on-demand content. Local broadcasts may also be available depending on your region, with some games shown on regional sports networks. To find out which channels are showing WNBA games today, check the official WNBA schedule at wnba.com or consult your local TV listings. These platforms ensure fans never miss the action, whether they're following the New York Liberty or any other team in the league.