The WNBA’s 2026 season announcement may take time, as the players’ union is taking drastic steps to put the league under pressure during the CBA discussions.
Franchises, though, are working on other aspects of the game with the New York Liberty hiring Golden State Warriors assistant Chris Demarco as head coach, and now adding a new sponsor as its partner.
According to the report, the Singapore-based affiliate of Ant Group has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement between its Alipay+ platform and a WNBA franchise.
New York Liberty Adds New Sponsor After New Deal With Alipay+
The Liberty team is one of the most followed franchises, and the 2024 championship put the side among the top teams in the league. With many top names on the roster, it’s also one of the most marketable franchises in the league. Ahead of the upcoming season, the front office announced a partnership deal with Alipay, a fintech company from Singapore.
About the partnership, the Liberty CEO, Keia Clarke, said, “Our partnership with Alipay+ goes beyond the game. Together, we are investing in the future of New York—its people, its environment, and its youth. Ant International’s commitment to community empowerment, sustainability and digital innovation makes them an ideal partner for our mission.”
INBOX: NEW YORK LIBERTY AND ANT INTERNATIONAL’S ALIPAY+ ANNOUNCE MULTIYEAR PARTNERSHIP
— NYLFTV (@NYLibertyFanTV) December 19, 2025
“Our partnership with Alipay+ goes beyond the game,” said Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty. “Together, we are investing in the future of New York—its people, its… pic.twitter.com/5rwVcApfMg
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The unique partnership will focus mainly on branding exposure with the community initiatives, with the given first preferences. Ant International stated that Alipay+ will collaborate with Liberty to support programs aimed at advancing environmental sustainability, youth sports, and technology education.
The New York Liberty is making headlines off the court, too, with Forbes naming Breanna Stewart and owner Clara Wu Tsai to its list of the most powerful women in the Sports world. The magazine also ranks the team in its other list.
New York Liberty Becomes Most Valuable Franchise In World
With Women’s sport taking the world by storm, famed magazine Forbes put up a list of the most valuable women’s sports teams around the globe. In the list, all 12 franchises (considered till 2024) featured in the top 25, with the Liberty team leading the list.
As per the valuation, the New York franchise is worth $400 million, which $30 million more than the second-place Indiana Fever. Interestingly, five WNBA sides take top-five spots in the list.
Forbes’ first ranking of the ‘World’s Most Valuable Women’s Sports Teams’ values the New York Liberty at $400 million, with the WNBA claiming all five of the top spots.
— Boardroom (@boardroom) December 18, 2025
(via @Forbes) pic.twitter.com/gamyNIE8Sg
With the franchise selling its part ownership at $450 million valuation in May 2025, the Forbes estimate is closest to the same. Now adding another partner, the 2024 champions will be looking to improve on the tech part, too.