The New York Liberty’s 2026 WNBA season concluded with a disappointing sweep in the semifinals by the Atlanta Dream, immediately prompting questions about the future of first-time head coach Chris DeMarco. Despite entering the season as preseason title favourites, the Liberty’s journey was marked by inconsistency and ultimately a “missed opportunity,” according to veteran two-time MVP Breanna Stewart.
Season Ends in Disappointment
The Liberty, who had reached the WNBA Finals in both 2023 and 2024, fell short of expectations, exiting the playoffs in the semifinals. This marked the first time in Breanna Stewart’s illustrious WNBA career that she was swept in the playoffs. According to Yahoo Sports, the team’s performance in the series saw them struggling against the Atlanta Dream’s game plan, failing to use a crucial reset timeout in Game 2, and making multiple missteps while holding a fourth-quarter lead in Game 3. Stewart expressed the difficulty of winning a WNBA championship, stating, “It’s really hard to win a WNBA championship… this s*** isn’t easy.” The team finished the regular season as the No. 8 seed with a 26-18 record.
Coach’s Future Under Scrutiny
A significant question arising from the season’s end concerns whether head coach Chris DeMarco will retain his position. When asked about DeMarco’s future, the team’s star trio – Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones – indicated that the decision was not theirs to make. Jones stated, “That’s not our say. Our job is to go out, play good basketball, and represent the organization well.” Ionescu added, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. And regardless, [I’m] thankful for him coaching us this year, and obviously giving us a chance, and we just fell short.” Despite the public scrutiny and player comments, DeMarco himself told reporters he expects to return, saying, “From as far as I know, every communication I’ve had, dialogue I’ve had, the answer is yes.” This follows criticism earlier in the week regarding a reset timeout blunder and DeMarco’s perceived lack of emotion, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Impact of Injuries and Inconsistency
The Liberty’s inconsistent season, which saw them oscillate between looking like contenders and a “lottery team,” was significantly impacted by a series of injuries to key players, as CBS Sports highlighted. Sabrina Ionescu missed the first month of the season and dealt with a season-long back injury, rarely looking like her usual self upon her return. Free-agent addition Satou Sabally played only 13 games due to a concussion that ultimately ended her season. Leonie Fiebich also missed time due to overseas commitments and a foot injury. These absences led to 15 different starting lineups during the regular season, preventing the team from finding a consistent rhythm and chemistry. Stewart noted, “It’s not like cramming for a test. You gotta be ready and ready to go since the jump.”
Roster Decisions and Outlook
Looking ahead, the Liberty front office faces crucial decisions regarding both the coaching staff and the roster. While Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Satou Sabally, and Leonie Fiebich are all under contract for 2027, other players are set to become free agents. Despite the challenges, Stewart remains confident in the team’s potential, asserting, “Honestly, like, is this team enough to win a championship? Absolutely… 1,000%.” She also noted the importance of defence in winning championships, drawing a comparison to the Atlanta Dream, who have top players in steals, according to Yahoo Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What was the New York Liberty’s final result in the 2026 WNBA season?
A: They were swept out of the semifinals by the Atlanta Dream. - Q: What is the current status of New York Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco?
A: Chris DeMarco expects to return as coach, although the team’s star players stated his future is “not our decision.” - Q: What factors contributed to the Liberty’s inconsistent season?
A: Significant injuries to key players like Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, along with numerous starting lineup changes, contributed to their inconsistency. - Q: Do the star players believe the team can still win a championship?
A: Breanna Stewart expressed strong confidence, stating she believes “1,000%” that this team is enough to win a championship.
