Liberty Loses Championship Hero to Toronto

The New York Liberty has lost a significant player from their 2024 championship roster. During Friday's WNBA expansion draft, the newly established Toronto Tempo selected center Nyara Sabally with their second pick. This move comes after the Liberty were only allowed to protect five players, one less than in the previous year.

Sabally, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, played a crucial role in the Liberty's historic 2024 championship victory. Her standout performance in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, where she contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, included a critical overtime steal that helped secure the franchise's first title.

Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb expressed his difficulty in parting with Sabally, acknowledging her professionalism, humility, and team-first attitude. He highlighted her lasting legacy and pivotal championship performance, wishing her well in her expanded role with the Tempo.

The Tempo's selection of Sabally aligns with their strategy, as Sandy Brondello, who previously coached the Liberty for four seasons including their championship year, is set to lead Toronto's inaugural season. Additionally, the Tempo acquired the rights to Liberty prospect Adja Kane, a French center drafted in 2025.