Hello Brooklyn Part 2? The New York Liberty Have Officially Been Sold To Nets’ Minority Ownership

The New York Liberty have been sold. An investment group led by Brooklyn Nets’ minority owner Joseph Tsai has agreed to purchase the team.

“We are fortunate to welcome Joe Tsai to the WNBA family at a pivotal time for our league,” said Tatum.  “We thank Jim Dolan and The Madison Square Garden Company for their incredible support of the WNBA over the past 22 years and for their commitment to finding the right owner for the Liberty.  As active participants in the New York community, Joe and his team are very well-positioned to take the Liberty to exciting new heights.”

The Liberty has been a pillar of the WNBA and it’s good to see, not only will the team stay in New York, it officially makes them the first New York team that has escaped the clutches of Dolan.

What Does This Mean Short Term For The Liberty?

The team will resume play in New York this May when the regular season begins.  The team’s home arena for the 2019 season will remain the Westchester County Center. In the summer, the Liberty will host a Comm-UNITY Day celebrating community, diversity, and inclusion at a to-be-announced game hosted at Barclays Center.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the Liberty and WNBA families,” said Mr. Tsai. “As one of New York’s proudest franchises, the Liberty has played a vital role in New York City over the past 22 years. The Liberty and WNBA exemplify what it means to compete at the highest level, serve as role models in the local community, and bring greater opportunities to female athletes. Our goal is to continue this important work and help bring the WNBA into its next phase of growth.”

What Does This mean Long Term For The Liberty?

Basketball is a city game and while the Liberty continues to play in Westchester, don’t kid yourself, the Liberty belongs in the big city. A fresh rebrand in Brooklyn would do wonders for the franchise.  The city of New York would welcome the Liberty with open arms. The players have been quiet about playing in Westchester County, but do believe they’re all thrilled at the opportunity to come to Brooklyn.