The lights at Matthew Knight Arena dimmed, and the sellout crowd listened intently as the New York Liberty’s starters were announced. Finally, the last two starters were revealed: Nyara Sabally, Oregon and Sabrina Ionescu,

Ionescu had 25 points, three rebounds and two assists in a 84-61 win for the New York Liberty over the Toyota Antelopes in front of a sellout crowd Monday night.

“It’s just a new team, a lot of new faces, trying to figure [each other] out.” Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty puts up a shot over Jacy Sheldon #4 of the Connecticut Sun during a pre-season matchup at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New ...

The New York Liberty are in a pretty good spot, and they know it. So does the rest of the WNBA world. As the defending champions, the Liberty go into the season with sky-high expectations and the confidence that comes with that. The roster is loaded and the track record of success is there.

Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson declared Monday as Sabrina Ionescu Day as the New York Liberty star is back in town for a WNBA preseason game.

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu takes on role as reporter to ask teammate Jonquel Jones post game question.

BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 9: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty dribbles the ball during the game against the Connecticut Sun during the WNBA Preseason Game on May 9, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

Sabrina Ionescu didn’t know what to expect Monday as she was getting ready for the Met Gala at The Surrey, a luxury hotel on the Upper East Side, alongside her Liberty teammates Breanna Stewart