During a manic free agency period, franchises have been working tirelessly to shape the identity of their roster for the upcoming 2026 season. As it stands, it would be nigh on impossible to argue with the star-studded talent that the New York Liberty has acquired. Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones are all set to return to New York, with Satou Sabally joining the lineup. However, one question remains: how does the Liberty correctly utilise this volume of firepower?
If you are a Liberty fan at this moment in time, it is hard to imagine that the business that the New York front office has conducted would seem disappointing. Retaining the supremely talented core of players that made this team so dangerous in 2025 was vital. After clinching a fifth consecutive berth in the playoffs, the Liberty crashed out of the postseason in the First Round, losing the series 2-1 to the Phoenix Mercury -- confirming that this squad needed minor surgery in the offseason.
Keeping hold of the previously mentioned core of their roster and adding a superstar in Satou Sabally, undoubtedly makes this squad more dangerous on paper. Nevertheless, acquiring certified offensive talent is one thing; establishing a system in which everybody thrives is another.
New York must create a blueprint that complements every player
The Liberty's newly appointed head coach, Chris DeMarco, will be delighted with the weapons he has at his disposal for the 2026 WNBA season. But, with greater talent comes greater expectations, and as we have seen with various teams over the last decade, acquiring the biggest names does not always signify immediate success.
First and foremost, DeMarco must ensure that both Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart retain their place at the head of the snake. Ionescu averaged 18.2 points per game during the 2026 season, requiring 15.1 field goal attempts per contest to reach that mark. Additionally, Stewart recorded a slightly higher 18.3 points per game while needing a career-low 13.2 shots on average. These numbers alone would suggest that this duo runs a high percentage of New York's offensive plays.
It is difficult to see how adding Sabally to this impressive attacking pairing could pose any form of problem. Unfortunately, egos are a reality, and suggesting to a star of Sabally's calibre that she must take a back seat offensively could be challenging. This is not suggesting that the 27-year-old has a difficult personality, but a player who herself recorded 16.3 points on an average of 13.2 field goal attempts per game will expect to put points on the board.
The New York Liberty will have its eyes set on a championship this season after having a blockbuster offseason so far. Possessing a higher volume of talent will create greater expectations, meaning that if Chris DeMarco cannot create an effective blueprint from the season's opening tip, the head coach could come under scrutiny very quickly.