WNBA Expansion Draft: New York Liberty’s Protective Decisions and Key Players to Watch
As the WNBA prepares for its upcoming expansion draft, all eyes are on the New York Liberty. Key player Sabrina Ionescu recently addressed her status with enthusiasm, suggesting her place on the team is secure. “I don’t think I’m getting taken in the expansion draft,” she chuckled, emphasizing her importance in the Liberty’s strategy for 2026.
Protected Players: Who’s Safe?
The Liberty have five slots available for protection, and it’s a foregone conclusion that Ionescu will be one of them. The burning question is: who will occupy the remaining four spots? Here’s a breakdown of potential players who may find themselves protected or exposed.
The Obvious Choices
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Leonie Fiebich: A versatile young forward under contract for 2026, Fiebich’s defensive skills and playmaking will likely earn her a protection spot.
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Nyara Sabally: Like Fiebich, Sabally is also contracted for 2026 and brings a dynamic presence to the lineup, making her a likely candidate to be protected.
- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: After missing last season, Laney-Hamilton remains a pivotal piece in the Liberty’s future plans, making her another obvious choice for protection.
Potential Surprises
While the Liberty could afford to leave two major stars unprotected, the strategy could backfire. Both Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones are unrestricted free agents—exposing them could lead to them being chosen by new teams like the Portland Fire or Toronto Tempo without exclusive negotiating rights.
Last Protected Spot: The Tricky Decision
If Stewart and Jones are left unprotected, the final spot becomes a gamble. The Liberty could consider several rising talents:
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Marine Johannès: Efficient and known for her explosive play, Johannès managed to appear in all 44 games last season, averaging 6.4 points with a strong shooting percentage. Her reserved free-agent status means she would bring value to any expansion team looking for a reader and team player.
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Rebekah Gardner: After a solid 2025 season, Gardner showed her potential as a high-energy defender and a budding scorer. With her commitment to improving her game, she could attract attention on draft night.
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Emma Meesseman: A WNBA All-Star and veteran forward, Meesseman’s status is uncertain. If the Liberty decide to leave her unprotected, her previous experience and accolades could make her an attractive option for expansion teams.
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Raquel Carrera: Although she has yet to make her WNBA debut, Carrera’s youthful promise and experience in Europe make her a potential steal for an expansion team.
- Annika Soltau: A 6-foot-4 forward and rising star in Europe, Soltau has shown considerable talent at the club level. Her track record could surprise many if the Liberty choose to protect her.
Other Notable Prospects
The Liberty also hold the rights to several other intriguing players:
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Han Xu: A towering 6-foot-10 center from China, Xu has expressed interest in returning to the WNBA after her last season in 2023.
- International Talent: Prospects like France’s Seehia Ridard and Marine Fauthoux, along with Adja Kane, add a wealth of international experience to the mix.
Unrestricted Free Agents to Consider
The Liberty will also need to consider unrestricted free agents such as Natasha Cloud, Kennedy Burke, and Isabelle Harrison as they strategize for the future.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Liberty?
As the Liberty eye the expansion draft, the decisions made in the upcoming days could significantly impact the franchise’s trajectory. Will they retain their stars or opt for strategic risk? Whatever the outcome, fans can expect an exciting draft that may reshape the landscape of the league.
For ongoing updates and news about the WNBA Expansion Draft, visit ESPN and WNBA.
