Breanna stewart adn the Liberty: A Win-Win Core Designation Decision
The New York Liberty face one of their easiest offseason decisions: whether to designate Breanna Stewart as a core player. The question isn’t if but when. Teams can assign the core designation starting Saturday,and Stewart,the two-time WNBA MVP,is a prime candidate for what’s essentially the league’s version of the NFL’s franchise tag.
Stewart has already expressed her desire to stay in Brooklyn after helping the Liberty secure their first WNBA championship in 2024. So, why use a core designation if she’s planning to return? The answer lies in the mutual benefits for both Stewart and the Liberty.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, a player can be designated as a core player a maximum of twice. Stewart received her first core designation in 2024. If the Liberty core her again this season, she’ll be ineligible for future designations, granting her more flexibility later in her career.For the Liberty, this move ensures exclusive negotiating rights with the six-time All-Star.
The core designation would automatically place a supermax offer of $249,244 on the table for stewart—a important pay raise that could strain the Liberty’s salary cap. However, Stewart has a history of prioritizing team success over personal gain. In 2023, her first season with the Liberty after leaving the Seattle Storm, she signed for $180,000, well below her market value.Last season, she re-signed for $205,000, again below the maximum salary.
Her sacrifices have allowed the Liberty to build one of the league’s highest-paid starting lineups and add depth through free agency. As of now, the Liberty have six players under contract for 2025, including key contributors like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
Stewart’s impact on the court is undeniable. She led the Liberty in scoring during both of her seasons in Brooklyn, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in 2024. Her leadership and versatility were instrumental in the team’s championship run.
Looking ahead, the Liberty are poised to “run it back” for 2025 before the league undergoes a reset with a new collective bargaining agreement. With Stewart at the helm, the team aims to build on its recent success and solidify its place as a WNBA powerhouse.
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Core Designation | Stewart can be cored a maximum of twice. |
| Supermax Offer | $249,244 for one year if designated as a core player. |
| Stewart’s Sacrifices | Signed for $180,000 in 2023 and $205,000 in 2024,below maximum salary. |
| 2024 Stats | 20.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG,1.3 BPG. |
| Liberty’s 2025 Roster | six players under contract, including Ionescu, Jones, and Laney-Hamilton. |
The Liberty’s decision to core Stewart is a strategic move that benefits both parties. For Stewart, it’s a chance to secure her legacy while maintaining future flexibility.for the liberty, it’s an opportunity to retain a generational talent and continue their championship pursuit.As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Brooklyn to see how this decision shapes the Liberty’s future. One thing is certain: Breanna Stewart remains the cornerstone of their success.
Breanna Stewart and the Liberty: A Strategic Core Designation Decision
Table of Contents
As the New York Liberty prepare for the 2025 WNBA season, one of their most critical offseason decisions revolves around Breanna stewart, the two-time MVP and cornerstone of their 2024 championship run. With the core designation window opening soon,the Liberty must decide whether to secure Stewart’s future with the team. To delve deeper into this topic, we sat down with Dr. emily Carter,a sports analyst and WNBA expert,to discuss the implications of this decision for both Stewart and the Liberty.
The Core Designation: What it Means for stewart and the Liberty
Senior Editor: Dr. carter, let’s start with the basics. what exactly is the core designation, and why is it such a big deal for Breanna Stewart and the Liberty?
Dr. Emily Carter: The core designation is essentially the WNBA’s version of the NFL’s franchise tag. It allows teams to retain exclusive negotiating rights with a player, ensuring they can’t sign with another team. For Stewart, this would mean the Liberty can offer her a supermax contract of $249,244 for one year.It’s a win-win: Stewart gets financial security, and the Liberty keep their star player.
Stewart’s Sacrifices and Team-First Mentality
senior Editor: Stewart has taken pay cuts in the past to help the Liberty build a competitive roster. How does that factor into this decision?
Dr.Emily carter: Stewart’s willingness to prioritize team success over personal gain is remarkable. In 2023, she signed for $180,000, well below her market value, and followed that up with a $205,000 deal in 2024. These sacrifices allowed the Liberty to assemble a star-studded lineup and add depth. If she’s cored again, it’s likely she’ll continue to balance her financial interests with the team’s needs.
The Financial Implications for the Liberty
Senior Editor: The supermax offer would strain the Liberty’s salary cap. How do you see them managing this?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a challenge, but the Liberty have shown they’re willing to invest in their core players.With six players already under contract for 2025, including Sabrina ionescu and Jonquel Jones, they’ll need to carefully navigate the cap. however,Stewart’s value on and off the court makes her worth every penny.
Stewart’s On-Court Impact and Leadership
Senior editor: Stewart’s stats speak for themselves,but how would you describe her overall impact on the Liberty?
Dr. Emily Carter: Stewart is the heart and soul of this team. In 2024,she averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Beyond the numbers, her leadership and versatility where instrumental in the Liberty’s championship run. She’s not just a player; she’s a franchise cornerstone.
Looking Ahead: The Liberty’s Future with Stewart
Senior Editor: What does the future hold for the Liberty if they core Stewart again?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Liberty are in a great position to compete for another title in 2025. With Stewart leading the way, they’ll aim to build on their recent success and solidify their place as a WNBA powerhouse. The core designation ensures stability and sends a message to the league that the Liberty are serious about winning.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Any closing thoughts on this decision?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a no-brainer for the liberty. Stewart is a generational talent, and securing her future with the team is crucial for their continued success.This decision isn’t just about 2025; it’s about building a legacy.
