WNBA Champs Face Upset Risk Amid Injury Crisis

The New York Liberty, who were crowned WNBA champions in 2024 and also secured the Commissioner's Cup, are now facing a precarious situation where they might miss the league's eight-team playoffs. As of July 22, 2026, the team holds a 14-12 record and is just a half-game above the eighth playoff spot. Their recent form shows a concerning trend, having lost eight of their last eleven games.

The Liberty's roster, which boasts former league MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, along with multiple All-Stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, has been significantly hampered by injuries. Ionescu has missed 12 games due to various ailments, while Sabally has been out since June 23 with concussion protocol. Key starter Leonie Fiebich has been sidelined since July 3 with a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game due to an ankle injury.

In their most recent contest, a hard-fought 99-98 overtime victory in Dallas on Monday, the Liberty relied on seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux. The 25-year-old French player, who signed a developmental contract, recorded her best WNBA performance with 10 points and 10 rebounds. This opportunity arose due to the extensive injuries plaguing the team, a situation Fauthoux described as difficult to watch but knew her time would come.

Their upcoming opponent, the Chicago Sky, are struggling with a 9-17 record and sit in 12th place. Chicago has a poor road record of 4-10 and a 1-8 record within the Eastern Conference. Their previous matchup against the Liberty on June 17 resulted in a narrow 96-95 loss, decided by a last-second layup from Ionescu. However, Chicago also faces injury concerns, with star Skylar Diggins-Smith out since July 3 due to a knee injury. Players like Natasha Cloud, Kamilla Cardoso, Sydney Taylor, and Gabriela Jaquez will look to capitalize on the Liberty's weakened state.