Despite a poor performance in the 2025 season, the New York Liberty maintained its ‘contender level’ with some mega free agency signings, putting them in the top five teams of the 2026 season. While the signings played a key role in the franchise’s chances this season, injuries hit them hard, leaving the side without its top stars early.
The front office made an adjustment, signing Aubrey Griffin and Julie Vanloo to hardship contracts, which, per the new CBA, won’t be included in cap calculations.
New York Liberty Signs Aubrey Griffin And Julie Vanloo On Hardship Contracts
The NY franchise will be without its star players, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, at the start of the season and will also be waiting for the return of Raquel Carrera and Leonie Firbich, leaving the team shorthanded at multiple positions.
Per the franchise update, the front office added experienced stars Aubrey Griffin and Julie Vanloo to fill in for injured players on hardship contracts.
Julie Vanloo, Aubrey Griffin have signed hardship contracts with the Liberty.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 8, 2026
Both players will be available to play Friday.
The Sparks waived Vanloo recently, and the Liberty handed the player a chance to prove herself on the WNBA stage once again. She will be joining the team for the opening game as she reached the practice facility just in time.
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Griffin also got less time to prepare herself for the WNBA game, as she said, “It’s been such a crazy 24 hours. When I heard the news, I was just very excited to be given this opportunity and just come here and just play honestly.”
The players will be on a seven-day hardship contract, and the team can extend that duration if required to.
Healthy New York Liberty Would Be Title Contender Once Again
The New York Liberty enters the 2026 WNBA season as a premier championship contender, boasting a heavily retooled roster designed to return to the top after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Under new head coach Chris DeMarco, the Liberty have reassembled their championship core from 2024—the elite trio of superstar Breanna Stewart, sharp-shooter Sabrina Ionescu, and dominant center Jonquel Jones.
The major offseason addition of three-time All-Star forward Satou Sabally from Phoenix provides immense offensive versatility and elite scoring, addressing past offensive-finesse limitations. Further strengthening the 2026 squad is the return of defensive anchor Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who missed 2025 due to a knee injury, as well as the retention of key rotation pieces like Leonie Fiebich.
Final roster is locked in for #SEAFOAMSZN🗽 pic.twitter.com/NY7g5p3lDN
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 7, 2026
Despite a slow start to the 2026 season due to early injuries to Ionescu and others, the sheer talent, positional flexibility, and veteran experience on the roster make them the team to beat. Their ability to excel under pressure, coupled with high-end offensive production, positions the Liberty as a top favorite to win their second WNBA championship in three years.