New York's repeat WNBA Finals hopes bolstered by acquisition of Emma Meesseman, former Finals MVP
Emma Meesseman Joins New York Liberty for 2025 WNBA Season
Emma Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP and an accomplished international player, has joined the New York Liberty for the 2025 season. The Belgian star, known for her proficient 3-point shooting and excellent passing skills, is expected to significantly boost the Liberty's championship hopes.
Meesseman's WNBA career spans nine seasons, during which she has averaged 11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game over 238-239 games and 186 starts. Her career 3-point percentage stands at an impressive 37.1%.
In the 2019 playoffs, Meesseman shone brightly, averaging 19.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with impressive shooting percentages. This performance earned her the Finals MVP award, making her one of only three non-Americans to achieve this feat.
The Liberty's frontcourt is already versatile, with Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Meesseman's addition further strengthens this unit, providing a player who can excel both inside and outside, defensively and offensively. Her elite shooting abilities complement the team's stars, raising expectations that the Liberty can contend for a repeat title.
Meesseman's decision to join the Liberty over other teams, including the Phoenix Mercury, came as a disappointment to Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who considered her signing with New York a "wrong choice."
Meesseman's debut with the Liberty is expected to be against the Connecticut Sun on Friday. However, coach Sandy Brondello of the Liberty does not anticipate Meesseman playing in her debut game.
Meesseman's career achievements extend beyond the WNBA. She has led Belgium to EuroBasket championships in 2023 and 2025, earning MVP honors both times. At the club level, she led Fenerbahce to three consecutive Turkish Super League titles and EuroLeague titles in 2023 and 2024. For her efforts, she was named Turkish Super League Finals MVP in 2023 and 2025 and EuroLeague MVP in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The Liberty, with their new addition, are currently slight favourites to win it all, with odds of +160 on FanDuel, while the Minnesota Lynx are +165. Meesseman's presence is expected to help the Liberty improve their rotation and win more games, as evidenced by snapping a losing streak in her debut.
Meesseman, who prefers to be around good people and feel at home, was drawn to the Liberty by the city's size and ease of access. Despite being sidelined from the WNBA since 2022 due to a visa application process, Meesseman is ready to make her mark in New York.
- The WNBAseason in 2025 promises an interesting dynamic with international stars like Emma Meesseman, as she joins the New York Liberty.
- Meesseman's proficient 3-point shooting and excellent passing skills, nurtured from her international tournament experience, could potentially tip the balance in the Liberty's favor during the upcoming WNBA season.
- As the season unfolds, betting enthusiasts may find themselves with an intriguing proposition in the WNBA, given the Liberty's improved odds of +160 on FanDuel, thanks to Meesseman's addition.
- A well-rounded frontcourt featuring Meesseman alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones has the potential to propel the Liberty to compete for another WNBA title, sparking news of their championship aspirations in sports media.
- Outside of the WNBA, Meesseman's prowess has been recognized globally, with MVP awards in various international tournaments and club games, demonstrating her versatility across different game formats.
- FanDuel's sports betting news reports that the Minnesota Lynx, who lost out on Meesseman's services, are close behind the Liberty with odds of +165, adding to the anticipation for an exciting WNBA contest between the two teams.
- Emma Meesseman's choice to play for the Liberty over other teams was influenced by the city's size and atmosphere, which she hopes will provide a sense of home during her time with the team, as she sets her sights on a successful MMA, NBA, WNBA, or basketball career.
