New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart identified a lack of team synergy as the primary cause for the team’s early playoff exit in 2025. Speaking on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Stewart reflected on the championship defense season that ended with a first-round loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Liberty entered the 2025 season as defending champions but struggled to maintain the dominance seen during their 2024 title run. Statistical data highlights a significant drop in performance, particularly in rebounding where the team fell from over 36 rebounds per game in 2024 to approximately 33 last season.
“So, when you’re in that flow state where you’re reading and going off with your teammates now, you have to have a chemistry, and you have to like keep that,” Stewart said in an interview with Yahoo Sports. She noted that the roster underwent numerous changes between the championship win and the start of the 2025 season.
The departure of veteran Courtney Vandersloot to the Chicago Sky and a knee injury to Jonquel Jones were cited as major factors in the team’s lack of rhythm. Although the front office signed Natasha Cloud to fill the void, the squad failed to replicate the cohesion that previously allowed them to sweep Atlanta and defeat the Las Vegas Aces.
Midway through the 2025 campaign, following a regular-season loss to Phoenix, Stewart had warned that the team lacked a championship-level mentality. The season ultimately led to the departure of head coach Sandy Brondello after the team failed to advance past the first round of the postseason.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season under new head coach Chris DeMarco, the Liberty have re-signed their core stars and added forward Satou Sabally. Stewart expressed optimism during training camp, noting that the team’s increased length and physical presence will be difficult for opponents to stop.
The New York Liberty are scheduled to begin their next season in a few weeks with a roster that has already begun gelling during recent practices. Stewart confirmed she has been participating in full team drills to prepare for the season opener.