New York Liberty Re-Sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones to Three-Year Deals
The New York Liberty announced the re-signing of forwards Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, along with guard Sabrina Ionescu, to multiyear contracts extending through 2028. The deals follow the team's 2024 WNBA championship and include standard maximum salaries for Stewart and Ionescu. Additional signings include forward Satou Sabally and the return of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
espn.comThe New York Liberty have secured their core players by re-signing forward Breanna Stewart, center Jonquel Jones, and guard Sabrina Ionescu to three-year contracts running through 2028. The announcements were made on April 17, 2026.
Contract Details
Stewart's contract is a standard maximum deal worth $1.
19 million in 2026, increasing to 17 percent of the salary cap in subsequent years under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement. A league source confirmed to ESPN that Ionescu's deal mirrors Stewart's structure, also at 17 percent of the cap each season. Jones signed a three-year contract, with sources telling ESPN that she accepted less than the amounts for Stewart and Ionescu.
Story Timeline
5 events- Today — April 17, 2026
New York Liberty announced re-signings of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones to three-year deals.
2 sourcesnypost.com · ESPN - April 15, 2026 — 2 days ago
Liberty re-signed Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a one-year deal.
2 sourcesnypost.com · ESPN - Weekend prior to April 17, 2026
Jonquel Jones committed to returning on a multiyear deal, as reported by the New York Post.
1 sourcenypost.com - Before free agency start
Stewart and Ionescu publicly declared intentions to re-sign with the Liberty.
2 sourcesnypost.com · ESPN - 2024 season
Liberty won the WNBA championship with Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu as key players.
1 sourceESPN
Potential Impact
- 01
Liberty solidify position as 2026 WNBA title favorites with retained core.
- 02
Salary cap adjustments under new CBA will increase player earnings in 2027 and 2028.
- 03
Other WNBA teams may accelerate signings to compete with strengthened Liberty roster.
- 04
Long-term deals set precedent for player commitments amid compressed free agency.
- 05
Sabally's addition reunites her with Ionescu, potentially boosting team chemistry.
- 06
Liberty's moves could influence league-wide talent distribution in upcoming seasons.
Transparency Panel
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