The preparations for the 2026 WNBA season are in full swing at the moment. With the new CBA deal now done and dusted, the next big point of attraction will be the WNBA Draft. With a couple of expansion teams joining, most franchises will lose players in the draft. However, amidst all the teams, the New York Liberty is facing roster vulnerabilities in the expansion draft.
Having won the title back in 2024, the team lost out on the opportunity last year. Now, with Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart slated to skip free agency, the team wants to build a strong squad revolving around their big names. At the moment, the only two players who hold a contract with the team are Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally. This leaves a lot of room for speculation as to who the players are that the front office will choose to pick from the expansion draft.
Here are the top five potential names that might find their way to the Liberty’s roster.
5. Marine Johannes
Well, not much introduction is required for someone like Johannes. Owing to swift and superb playmaking, the 31-year-old has earned the nickname of ‘Wizard’ from the Liberty fans. Back in 2025, the French star was the only name in the Liberty lineup who featured in all 44 games for the team. Showing some promising game, Johannes averaged 6.4 points last season. But her 39.7 percent shooting from the field makes her a phenomenal choice for the Liberty to consider. Coming off the bench, the 31-year-old can become an asset for New York in their quest to reclaim the title.
4. Rebekah Gardner
The only problem for Gardner is her health. Struggling with injuries almost every season, Gardner finally got some respite last year. After all, it was the first time since 2022 that the 35-year-old was healthy and played for a full season. However, her numbers were not that impressive as she dropped 3.7 points on average. But one of the main reasons that might make her a formidable acquisition for the Liberty is her high-energy game on the field. Gardner can also cut in swiftly, which makes the opponents caught off guard. Moreover, she has also spoken about adding some size to her in the offseason.
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3. Emma Meesseman
One of the biggest names in the international women’s basketball circuit, Meeseman can be a real asset for the Liberty. But one big point of doubt about the 32-year-old is whether or not she would like to return to the WNBA. But if the Belgian talent really does want to continue playing in America, then her elite showing can be a headache for Liberty’s opponents this season. Having already won the WNBA championship once back in 2019, the 2-time WNBA All-Star might once again prove to be an important factor.
2. Raquel Carrera
Carrera has had an unorthodox WNBA career so far. She was drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Dream back in 2021. Unfortunately, till now, she has not made her WNBA debut. According to insider news mentioned by ‘The Post,’ Carrera is looking to join the league and wants to make a serious impact this time around. And she has already proved her worth on the international stage. Playing for EuroLeague’s Valencia, the 24-year-old has dropped averages of 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds.
1. Annika Soltau
Surprisingly, the power-packed defender went undrafted last year until the Liberty roped in the 6-feet-4-inches German asset. While she did not make her debut last season, Soltau is keen to make her mark this year. Speaking about her promising career, FIBA features Soltau in their list of the Top 20 Rising Stars in Europe. Playing in the Swiss League for Baden Basket 54, Soltau has dropped averages of 20.7 points and 11.1 rebounds.
Thus, with all the names mentioned above being top-drawer talent, fans would be excited to see how many of them receive the recognition they deserve.