New York Liberty Start Offseason Moves: Rights Renounced for Three Players

The New York Liberty have kicked off their offseason with a roster adjustment, marking their first transaction as the league prepares for the upcoming 2026 WNBA season.

Key Player Departures

On Monday, the Liberty officially announced the renouncement of rights for three players:

• Ivana Dojkic (Guard)
• Seehia Ridard (Forward)
• Annika Soltau (Forward)

This move, retroactive to Sunday, allows the Liberty to streamline their roster as only four players who did not participate in the previous season can be carried over.

Players’ Backgrounds

• Ivana Dojkic: The 28-year-old Croatian guard played 26 games for the Liberty in the 2024 season, averaging 3.3 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
• Seehia Ridard: Aged 23, Ridard was signed last offseason on a training camp contract but never made it onto the roster.
• Annika Soltau: The 21-year-old German forward signed a rookie deal last April but also didn’t join the team after going undrafted.

Retained Rights

Despite these changes, the Liberty maintain exclusive rights to Marine Fauthoux, a promising point guard from France. Furthermore, the statuses of several other players remain under negotiation:

• Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: Expected to return after missing last season due to knee surgery.
• Raquel Carrera: Plans to debut this season in the WNBA.
• Han Xu: Hoping for a return, adding depth to the Liberty’s roster.

These players are currently under “suspended-contract expired” status, which grants the Liberty exclusivity in negotiations.

Upcoming Dates to Note

With the offseason in motion, key dates are approaching:

• Qualifying Offers: Teams have started sending out qualifying offers as of Monday.
• Free Agency Negotiation Period: Opens Wednesday, January 17, but contracts can only be officially signed from Saturday, January 20.

Draft Opportunities

Looking ahead, the 2026 WNBA Draft is set for April 13, where the Liberty will have the 41st overall pick to further strengthen their team.

Conclusion

The Liberty’s latest roster adjustments signify a pivotal point as they gear up for the upcoming season. With the renouncement of Dojkic, Ridard, and Soltau, alongside their focus on retaining key players, the team is poised for strategic improvement in preparation for the 2026 WNBA season.

Stay updated with the latest news by following the WNBA’s official transaction page.