The New York Liberty are set to appoint Chris DeMarco, currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach, according to reports from ESPN. While DeMarco will continue to assist the Warriors for the time being, the timeline for his transition to the Liberty remains uncertain.
DeMarco has been with the Warriors since 2012, contributing to the team’s impressive four NBA championship victories. Renowned for his defensive expertise, he also leads the Bahamas men’s national basketball team, a position he has held since 2019. Notably, Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu reached out to Warriors star Stephen Curry to gather insights about DeMarco during this hiring process.
The Liberty’s 2024 season marked a historic moment as they clinched their first WNBA championship. The team experienced a strong start, winning their first nine games, but faced challenges mid-season due to injuries and were ultimately eliminated in the first playoff round by the Phoenix Mercury. Following this setback, the franchise opted not to retain former head coach Sandy Brondello.
During Brondello’s tenure, the Liberty recorded a remarkable 107-53 record, achieving a franchise-high 32 wins in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Under her guidance, the team made two Finals appearances and secured the Commissioner’s Cup title in 2023. However, general manager Jonathan Kolb and the team’s leadership decided that embracing change was necessary to maximize their championship potential. “Coming out of this season and really seeing an influx of change on many teams, it made the decision timeline tangible,” Kolb commented, emphasizing the need for fresh energy moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Liberty face an intriguing offseason with only two players under contract for 2026—Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally. While stars Breanna Stewart, Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones have expressed intentions to return, the dynamics of free agency remain uncertain, especially following the expected ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement. The organization will also need to make pivotal decisions regarding the futures of players like Natasha Cloud and Emma Meesseman as they aim to build a robust roster for the upcoming season.
With new leadership in place, the Liberty are poised for a transformative offseason, hoping to amplify their championship window and continue their trajectory toward success.