The New York Liberty have had a disappointing 2026 season for the most part, but with Sabrina Ionescu finally healthy and perennial MVP Breanna Stewart finding her form, it looks like the team is rounding into form.
Wednesday night’s win over the Seattle Storm, its third straight, improved the Liberty to 19-13 on the season, good for seventh place in the WNBA standings. As great as things are going in the Big Apple, Thursday was a bittersweet day, as the franchise parted ways with one of its most respected and longest-tenured players.
“Breaking: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been waived by the New York Liberty, the team announced,” ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported.
“We want to thank Betnijah for everything she has given to this organization,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said via statement.” She has been an instrumental part of our success since 2021 and has made a lasting impact on our team, both on and off the court. We’re incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day.
JUST IN: The Liberty have released Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, the team announced.
Story TK.
Full statement from GM Jonathan Kolb: pic.twitter.com/vusskANoEl
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) August 6, 2026
“While this decision is incredibly difficult, we believe this will give Betnijah the best opportunity to pursue a larger basketball role. We wish her nothing but success moving forward, and she’ll always be a member of the Liberty family. As a key contributor to the first championship in franchise history, Betnijah’s legacy with the Liberty is forever cemented.”
In 17 minutes per game this season, Laney-Hamilton, who had been with the franchise since 2021, is averaging 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.