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4w ago

Liberty Lock In Stewart, Ionescu and Jones, Add Sabally on Fully Guaranteed Two-Year Deal

Below-max contracts under the new $7 million cap position New York as the 2026 title favorite.

Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) collides with Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James (10) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jul 3, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives past Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) brings the ball up court past Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Liberty announced Friday that Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed multi-year deals to stay in New York.
  • Outlets citing team confirmation reported Thursday that Satou Sabally’s two-year deal is fully guaranteed at $815,000 for 2026 and $855,750 for 2027.
  • Under the 2026 CBA’s $7 million team cap, Stewart and Ionescu chose standard-max salaries of $1.19 million instead of the $1.4 million supermax, and Sabally said she accepted less to pursue a championship.
  • The guarantee drew interest because it keeps Sabally’s pay intact even if she is traded, injured or waived, as fans and media questioned why an All-Star signed below her market value.
  • With four All-Stars atop the roster, sportsbooks now favor New York to win the 2026 title, and the Liberty open May 8 against the Sun with new head coach Chris DeMarco.