The new season activities took place following the CBA Confirmation. The first process was the expansion draft. Toronto Tempo chose multiple veteran and experienced stars, showing trust in the established stars. Sandy Brondello will have one of her New York Liberty players, Nyara Sabally, at the expansion team.
While other teams are working on their roster management, the 2024 side went ahead and added a player who could be an improvement on the forward.
New York Liberty Signs Spanish Center Raquel Carrera
The Chicago Sky protected its complete roster following the trades before the expansion draft. The NY team lost only Nyra Sabally, an impactful role player who helped the side win the championship in 2024.
But as per reports, the franchise is quickly moving on from Sabally and adding a 6’3” Spanish big, Raquel Carrera. While Carrera was Atlanta Dream’s pick in 2021, the Liberty team holds its contract rights and can return on first-year rookie contract terms.
The Liberty’s expansion draft loses are headlined by Nyara Sabally. As a result, I can report according to a source familiar with the situation that Spanish center Raquel Carrera will be joining NYL this season. More info on it all below via @TheIXSports.https://t.co/9xd63uBjLG pic.twitter.com/h7xuWUPKkW
— Jackie Powell (she/her) (@ClassicJpow) April 3, 2026
While the player signings are still on hold with the incomplete CBA documentation process, there were also reports out of China that 6’11” Han Xu may be returning to the WNBA. The Liberty also holds her WNBA rights after her three-year stint in Brooklyn from 2019 to 2023.
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Other positive news for the Liberty side is the return of its star players, including Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, who confirmed their return to the franchise in free agency. The franchise also confirms its coaching staff with an eye on the championship.
The New York Liberty Finalizes Its Coaching Staff
The Liberty side won the 2024 championship, and the staff brought glory to the franchise. But after the team lost in the second round against the Phoenix Mercury, the front office parted ways with coach Sandy Brondello. Chris DeMarco will lead the new coaching staff.
🗽 The @nyliberty announce their new coaching team.
— ʀᴏᴏᴋɪᴇ 👻 (@CoachRookie) April 2, 2026
🗽 New York Liberty, yeni koç ekibini duyurdu. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/3aa2LLfo9Y
With the four-time NBA champion leading the charge, as the franchise continues to emphasize player development and organizational continuity. The assistant coaching staff will have Courtney Paris, Addi Walters, and Will Sheehey join the bench. Kristen Mann will work as player development coach, while Andrew Wade will serve as assistant coach and director of player development.