Breathing a sigh of relief, New York Liberty's prime player, Breanna Stewart, escapes a major leg predicament, affirming her participation in the upcoming road excursion according to recent news.
The New York Liberty have faced a challenging season, with star player Breanna Stewart sidelined due to a lower leg injury. The injury occurred on July 26, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks [1][2][3][4].
Despite initial fears, imaging, including an MRI, has shown that Stewart avoided any significant or major structural damage to her right leg [1][2][3][4]. However, she missed the following game against the Dallas Wings, and the Liberty are taking a cautious approach, choosing to give her time to fully recover before naming an official return date [1][2][3][5].
Stewart's absence leaves some uncertainty for the Liberty's championship aspirations. As a two-time MVP and a central figure in New York's success, her unavailability, even temporarily, can impact the team's title chances [1]. However, since her injury is not severe, her eventual return could boost the team later in the season. The Liberty will likely prioritize her long-term health over a rushed comeback to maintain their competitiveness moving forward [1][3].
The Liberty have shown resilience despite the injuries and absences, with a 17-7 record placing them in second place [2]. Star player Sabrina Ionescu and Stewart played together in the first quarter, with Ionescu passing to Stewart for a contested layup [6]. FanDuel rates the Liberty as the title favourites (+160) [7].
The Liberty are expected to take a cautious approach with Stewart due to her injury history. Stewart has previously had major injuries to both of her Achilles tendons [8]. The return of Emma Meesseman, the 2019 Finals MVP, later this season could help soften the blow if Stewart needs an extended spell on the sidelines [9].
Meanwhile, Nyara Sabally has been hampered by a knee problem, and Jonquel Jones has been limited to 11 appearances due to multiple ankle injuries [10]. Leonie Fiebich missed nearly a month while participating in EuroBasket with the German national team [11].
The Liberty will embark on a four-game road trip, with Stewart expected to travel with the team [5]. The team will need to navigate these challenges and work together to maintain their title contention.
[1] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/story//id/34892320/breanna-stewart-injury-new-york-liberty-wnba] [2] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/standings] [3] [https://www.si.com/wnba/2025/07/27/breanna-stewart-injury-new-york-liberty-wnba] [4] [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/sports/basketball/breanna-stewart-injury-new-york-liberty-wnba.html] [5] [https://www.si.com/wnba/2025/08/03/breanna-stewart-return-new-york-liberty-wnba] [6] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/game//gameId/401366964] [7] [https://www.fanduel.com/sports/wnba/futures] [8] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/story//id/33593822/breanna-stewart-suffers-right-achilles-injury-seattle-storm] [9] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/story//id/33765509/emma-meesseman-return-washington-mystics-wnba-later-season] [10] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/standings] [11] [https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34890290/leonie-fiebich-liberty-sidelined-eurobasket-germany]
- The WNBA news suggests that Breanna Stewart's absence might impact the New York Liberty's title chances due to her status as a two-time MVP.
- Since Stewart's injury is not severe, her eventual return could boost the team later in the season, as she joins a team that currently stands with a record of 17-7, placing them in second position.
- The cautious approach with Stewart is necessary due to her past injuries, in particular, to both Achilles tendons.
- The Liberty's NBA and MMA counterparts might find interest in FanDuel's betting odds for the WNBA season, where the Liberty are currently the title favourites (+160).
- Stewart is expected to travel with the team during their upcoming four-game road trip, signaling her commitment to the team despite her injury, even as the team navigates a series of challenges due to various injuries to key players.
- Emma Meesseman, the 2019 Finals MVP, is expected to return to the WNBA later in the season, which could help maintain the Liberty's competitiveness if Stewart needs an extended period on the sidelines.
