The New York Liberty made a significant roster addition on Monday. After bringing in Stephanie Talbot, the Liberty reportedly agreed to a deal with Emma Meesseman, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN.
"Breaking: 2019 WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman has committed to joining the New York Liberty, sources told ESPN. Meesseman’s arrival will be subject to the length of time it takes to go through the visa application process," Philippou reported.
The former WNBA Finals MVP is set to make a big impact with her new team. It remains to be seen when she will officially join the Liberty, but the addition could prove to be a difference-maker.
Meesseman, a 32-year-old from Belgium, played with the Washington Mystics from 2013-2020 (she missed the 2018 season). In 2019, she played a pivotal role in leading the Mystics to a championship.
After not playing in 2021, Meesseman joined the Chicago Sky in 2022. She earned her second career All-Star selection with Chicago, but has not played in the WNBA since the '22 campaign. Now she is set to make her return with the reigning champion Liberty.
New York does hold a 2.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-6 record. Overall, though, the Liberty trail the Minnesota Lynx for the league's best record, as Minnesota is 20-4. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury are just a half-game back of the Liberty at 15-7.
Minnesota has looked like the best team in the WNBA throughout the year. Does the Meesseman signing make New York the new championship favorite, however?
Emma Meesseman's potential impact on Liberty
Both the Liberty and Lynx feature plenty of depth. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see them go head-to-head once again in the Finals. In 2024, New York and Minnesota played an extremely competitive WNBA Finals series. A similar scenario could end up coming to fruition in 2025.
Teams such as the Mercury, Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm may be able to make things interesting, though. Nothing is guaranteed once the postseason begins. As things stand at the moment, the Liberty and the Lynx are the teams to beat.
New York was already a true contender. Bringing in Meesseman will surely catch the Lynx's attention. Minnesota may respond by making a move or two of their own.
Both teams' chances of winning a 2025 championship are intriguing at the moment. Adding Emma Meesseman could prove to be a game-changing move, though.