Emma Meesseman Joins New York Liberty: A Major Boost for Back-to-Back WNBA Championship Bid

The New York Liberty’s quest for consecutive WNBA championships is significantly bolstered by the recent acquisition of international basketball star Emma Meesseman.

Emma Meesseman’s Impact

Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP and one of the premier forwards in the sport, has agreed to sign with the Liberty, choosing them over other top contenders, including the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury.

Emma Meesseman of Belgium shoots against Italy during EuroBasket 2025 (via AFP).

Important Details About Meesseman’s Signing

• Pending Visa Process: Before she can take the court at the Barclays Center, Meesseman must complete the visa process.
• Salary Cap Flexibility: The exact terms of the deal have not been revealed, but the Liberty can offer Meesseman a pro-rated max contract due to their adequate salary cap space.
• Roster Adjustments: Following the addition of Meesseman, the Liberty will need to make a roster move after recently signing Stephanie Talbot as their 12th player.

A Star-Packed Resume

Emma Meesseman brings an impressive background to the Liberty:

• Two-Time WNBA All-Star: Recognized for her standout performances in the league.
• 2019 WNBA Champion: Won the title with the Washington Mystics, playing alongside notable players like Natasha Cloud.

Solid Statistics

In her last WNBA season in 2022 with the Chicago Sky, Meesseman posted notable stats:

• Points: 12.4
• Rebounds: 5.6
• Assists: 3.8
• Steals: 1.4

Her shooting splits of 57.1% FG, 34.2% 3PT, and 88.7% FT highlight her proficiency as both a scorer and a playmaker.

International Success

Meesseman’s impact extends beyond the WNBA. She has played a crucial role for the Belgian national team, contributing to their outstanding performances, including a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.

Teammate Endorsements

Liberty star Breanna Stewart expressed her enthusiasm for Meesseman’s addition, stating:

"There’s a void to be filled, and that would be helpful."

This speaks volumes about the positive reception Meesseman will likely receive from her new teammates.

Upcoming Challenges

As the Liberty prepare to welcome Meesseman, they are also excited about the return of Jonquel Jones, their starting center, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.

The Liberty will kick off the second half of their season on Tuesday night against the Indiana Fever, who will be without star player Caitlin Clark.

Conclusion

With Emma Meesseman joining the New York Liberty, the dynamic of the team is set to change dramatically. This acquisition not only enhances the Liberty’s roster but also positions them as favorites for the championship.

For more information on WNBA standings and updates, visit WNBA Official Website. Stay tuned as the Liberty make their push for a title defense this season!