The anticipation for the 2025 WNBA season is palpable, and fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the tip-off of meaningful games. Before the official start of the season, teams are engaged in crucial preseason matchups, fine-tuning their strategies, integrating new players, and assessing their overall readiness for the challenges that lie ahead. One such preseason game, drawing significant attention, pits the New York Liberty against the Connecticut Sun at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This contest serves as a final tune-up for both teams, allowing them to solidify their rotations and iron out any remaining kinks before the games truly count.
The New York Liberty enter the 2025 season riding a wave of momentum and heightened expectations, fueled by their remarkable success in the 2024 campaign. Last season was nothing short of a dream for the Liberty faithful, as the team realized its championship aspirations. The Liberty’s front office orchestrated a masterful roster construction, assembling what many considered a "superteam" capable of dominating the league. This bold strategy paid dividends, culminating in the franchise’s first-ever WNBA championship, a moment that sent shockwaves of jubilation through the city.
The Liberty’s championship run was not a stroke of luck or a fleeting moment of brilliance; it was the result of consistent excellence and unwavering dedication. Their dominant regular-season record of 32 wins and 8 losses solidified their position as the top team in the league, showcasing their depth, talent, and ability to perform at a high level night in and night out. The team’s success was built on a foundation of exceptional individual performances and a cohesive team dynamic that allowed them to overcome any obstacle in their path.
However, the landscape of the WNBA is ever-changing, and even championship-caliber teams are not immune to roster adjustments and personnel changes. During the offseason, the Liberty faced the challenge of replacing veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who departed in free agency. Vandersloot’s departure left a significant void in the Liberty’s backcourt, as her playmaking abilities, court vision, and leadership were instrumental to the team’s success.
But the Liberty’s front office, known for its proactive and strategic approach, wasted no time in addressing this need. In a move that sent ripples through the league, the Liberty orchestrated a trade with the Connecticut Sun in March, acquiring the services of Natasha Cloud, a seasoned veteran and a proven performer in the WNBA. Cloud’s arrival is expected to seamlessly fill the void left by Vandersloot, providing the Liberty with a dynamic and experienced point guard who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
For the Connecticut Sun, the 2025 season represents a new chapter in the franchise’s history, one marked by significant roster turnover and a renewed focus on building for the future. The Sun find themselves in the midst of a complete rebuild, a process that requires patience, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to developing young talent.
The Sun’s rebuild was initiated by the departure of several key players during the offseason. Brionna Jones and DeWanna Bonner, both integral parts of the team’s success in recent years, elected to pursue opportunities in free agency, leaving a void in the Sun’s frontcourt and wing positions. But perhaps the most impactful departure was that of Alyssa Thomas, the franchise cornerstone and a perennial All-Star. Thomas’s trade to the Phoenix Mercury signaled a clear shift in the Sun’s direction, indicating a willingness to part ways with established stars in order to accumulate assets and build a team for the long haul.
Despite the significant roster turnover, the Sun have made strategic additions to their roster, bringing in veteran players and promising rookies to help guide the team through its rebuilding phase. Tina Charles, a former WNBA MVP, signed a one-year deal with the Sun, bringing her scoring prowess and experience to the team’s frontcourt. Diamond DeShields, another veteran player with a proven track record, also joined the Sun on a one-year deal, adding depth and versatility to the team’s perimeter game.
In addition to these veteran additions, the Sun have invested heavily in young talent, selecting Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers with their first-round picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Morrow and Rivers are expected to be building blocks for the Sun’s future, providing the team with a foundation of talent and potential that can be developed over time. These young players will have the opportunity to learn from the veterans on the roster and hone their skills in a supportive environment, ultimately contributing to the Sun’s long-term success.
The preseason game between the Liberty and the Sun offers a glimpse into the future of both franchises. For the Liberty, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune their championship-caliber roster and integrate Natasha Cloud into the team’s system. For the Sun, it’s a chance to evaluate their young talent, experiment with different lineups, and establish a foundation for their rebuilding efforts.
The game is scheduled to tip off on Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action through various broadcasting platforms. This preseason matchup promises to be an intriguing contest, showcasing the contrasting approaches of two teams with vastly different goals for the 2025 season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Liberty, a loyal supporter of the Sun, or simply a basketball enthusiast, this game offers a sneak peek into the exciting WNBA season that lies ahead.
