Basketball fans, here is the news we’ve all been waiting for. Breanna Stewart is heading to the Big Apple!
According to Winsidr’s Rachel Galligan, Stewart will sign with the New York Liberty where she’ll team up with Sabrina Ionescu and the recently-traded-for Jonquel Jones to form one of the most lethal Big 3s in the W.
Of course, Stewart’s move to New York had been a topic of discussion dating back to last off-season when she met with the Liberty staff and front office during the 2022 free agency period. Ultimately, Stewie re-upped with the Seattle Storm for one last dance with now-retired Sue Bird.
Two-time WNBA Champion and MVP Breanna Stewart will sign with the New York Liberty. @Winsidr
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 1, 2023
One year later, Stewie is heading to her home state of New York as arguably the league’s biggest free agent signing ever. And her decision had much to do with pushing the league forward. Per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, here’s how Stewart’s agent Lindsay Kagawa-Colas explained the move:
Stewart made charter air travel a key factor in free agency, sources told ESPN, having discussions with the teams she met with — the Liberty, Storm, Lynx and Mystics — on where they stood on the issue, which she believes is critical to players’ health, safety and performance.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 1, 2023
“Stewie’s free agency is the story of the WNBA at an inflection point: Players understand their value, the potential of the WNBA, and are eager partners in growing a business that has incredible momentum,” Stewart’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa-Colas of Wasserman, told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 1, 2023
Between the additions of Stewart and Jones, the Liberty now roster two of the past five WNBA MVP Award winners. They join Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney, and Stefanie Dolson to round out one of the league’s most talented rosters.
At FanDuel Sportsbook, New York currently has +165 title odds ahead of the 2023 season. Its odds are only second to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces’ (+135) who have also been quite busy during this off-season with their additions of Candace Parker, Alysha Clark and Amanda Zahui B.
With the signing of Breanna Stewart, the New York Liberty has now moved from +240 to +165 to win the 2023 WNBA championship, per @FDSportsbook.
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) February 1, 2023
There are still plenty of moves left to make during the off-season, but they won’t top Stewart’s decision to head East.
As we wait for more, we’ll have to soak in just how monumental this move is.
