A PICTURE PERFECT WEEKEND FOR THE LIBERTY

The New York Liberty began 2025 with a statement victory against the Las Vegas Aces. However, before they could get to the business of the season, they took one more time to celebrate their greatest accomplishment.

Prior to the start of the game, the team held their ring and banner ceremony to celebrate taking home the championship in 2024. In a first for the WNBA, the entire ceremony was broadcast on television, so fans at home could take in the moment as well.

Liberty legend Sue Wicks narrated a video for fans in the arena, and after some brief comments from Cathy Engelbert, Clara Wu and Joe Tsai handed out rings to the players and rose the championship banner up to the rafters. Being able to share this moment with fans at Barclays and around the world meant a lot to the Liberty and is something they’ve been looking forward to since they won the championship last fall:

For the Liberty, this moment was the final victory lap. Since they returned to New York City after their sojourn in Westchester, they’ve steadily rebuilt their profile. The team has improved each season in Brooklyn and has been rewarded with increased attendance each season. The Liberty are now a mainstay in New York sports and one of its best, most exciting attractions.

So what do you do after putting on a show in Brooklyn? Take a trip up to the Bronx!

On Sunday, the team took a trip up to Yankee Stadium to see Breanna Stewart throw out the first pitch in the Subway Series between the Yankees and Mets.

Unfortunately (for me), the Mets lost to the Yankees on Sunday night. The Subway Series shifts to Citi Field during Fourth of July weekend. The Liberty will be in town that weekend, so hopefully the Mets do something with the team as well. And beat the Yankees!

📰 WHAT WE’RE READING

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in women’s basketball.

Here’s what we’re reading:

• Natasha Cloud, Liberty's 'missing piece,' dazzles in team debut vs. Aces: 'She brings that energy every time' by Erica L. Ayala for CBS Sports

• SIGHTS & SOUNDS: the New York Liberty’s stylish celebration of their 2024 title by Brian Fleurantin for Netsdaily

• After emotional ring ceremony, the Liberty flip the switch to defeat rival Aces by Jackie Powell for The Next

• AUDIO: Episode 60: Pull Up with Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. by Myles Ehrlich and Owen Pence

• Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is a genuine rivalry, and that's completely OK by Cassandra Negley for Yahoo Sports

• How The Japanese-American Basketball Leagues Built Natalie Nakase by Maya Goldberg-Safir for Defector

• Why the WNBA’s fanbase is more global than ever—and better for it by Łukasz Muniowski for Swish Appeal

WNBA INVESTIGATES ALLEGED INCIDENT IN INDIANA

On Saturday afternoon, the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky tipped off their respective seasons. There was a brief moment of fireworks when Caitlin Clark committed a flagrant foul on Angel Reese and a minor skirmish took place between the two stars.

After the game, both players sought to defuse the situation and move on. However, it was reported that there was “inappropriate fan conduct” during the game, something the league has taken note of.

In a statement, the WNBA denounced racism and bigotry of all forms and said they would be investigating the alleged incident. The Sky and Fever also put out statements denouncing racism and reaffirming their commitments to providing safe environments for players.

WNBPA Vice President and Liberty star Stewart spoke about the situation on Sunday evening at Yankee Stadium

We’ll keep you posted on this developing situation.

⛹🏽‍♀️ UPCOMING GAMES

Here’s the schedule for the next few days

💰MONEY MOVES

PHEE SIGNS WITH JORDAN BRAND

Here at the Women’s Basketball Roundup, we’ve been talking about the importance of being a signature athlete. When you’re the face of a big sneaker company, more eyes are on you and more responsibility is placed on your shoulders. It’s a tough job, and usually the very best players have that responsibility. And for Jordan Brand, they’ve partnered with one of the WNBA’s greatest superstars.

On May 16, Jordan Brand announced that they signed Napheesa Collier to an endorsement contract. Phee joins a Jordan Brand roster that includes Kia Nurse, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard. Collier was a sneaker free agent earlier this winter, and an in-person conversation with Michael Jordan led to Phee rejecting other shoe companies in favor of Jordans.

Collier has been a tour de force so far in 2025. In February, she and Breanna Stewart got Unrivaled off the ground and had a successful inaugural season. Collier was later honored as one of this year’s Time 100, and currently, her Lynx are off to a 2-0 start in the WNBA season. As the WNBA continues to become a fixture in sports and pop culture, players like her will keep pushing the game forward on and off the court.

And to top it off, on Monday afternoon Phee joined ESPN’s Malika Andrews on NBA Today to announce a partnership between the Lynx and musician Bon Iver.

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