The New York Liberty are experiencing a notable season in 2025, following their triumphant campaign that led them to win the WNBA championship last year. Currently positioned second in the league with a record of 17-9, they are trailing the Minnesota Lynx, who hold a strong 23-5 record.
Despite their successful overall performance, the Liberty have encountered some challenges lately, having lost three of their last five games since the WNBA All-Star break, and are currently on a three-game losing streak. This includes significant absences in their lineup, particularly star forward Breanna Stewart, who is sidelined due to a leg injury. Other key players, including forward Kennedy Burke and center Nyara Sabally, are also dealing with multi-week injuries.
In an effort to strengthen their frontcourt amidst these injuries, the Liberty have recently announced the signing of Emma Meesseman, a talented 6-foot-4 Belgian forward. Meesseman, who was the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP with the Washington Mystics and has a commendable history, including an All-Star nod in 2022 while with the Chicago Sky, is expected to make a positive impact on the team.
To create space for Meesseman on the roster, the Liberty have released second-year guard Jaylyn Sherrod. Sherrod, who contributed to the Liberty’s championship team last year and has played 28 career games with the franchise, had gone scoreless in her last three outings.
With the signing of Meesseman, the Liberty are looking to bolster their frontcourt options. Current players like Leonie Fiebich and Jonquel Jones have shown strong shooting percentages from beyond the arc, averaging 46.7% and 43.6%, respectively. Meesseman brings additional shooting capabilities, having averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during her last season, along with a 34.2% three-point shooting rate.
Looking ahead, the Liberty have a favorable schedule, with three of their next four games against teams currently without winning records, including back-to-back matchups against the struggling Connecticut Sun. Meesseman is anticipated to join the team in time for these crucial games, potentially returning the Liberty to their winning ways.
This strategic move not only fills the gap left by the injured players but also enhances the Liberty’s competitiveness as they vie for playoff positioning.