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Liberty open 2026 season on Friday vs Sun

BQE Admin on May 8, 2026

DeMarco earns first win in preseason finale as NY preps for tip-off

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN – The 2026 WNBA season tips off on Friday at the Barclays Center when the New York Liberty host the Connecticut Sun.

New York split their preseason slate, falling to Indiana in Brooklyn before downing the Sun in Connecticut. The latter marked the first WNBA win for Chris DeMarco as he fine tuned his first pro roster.

A number of new faces and old fan favorites decorated New York’s preseason roster. Among them were players like Chinese center Han Xu, Turkish guard Derin Erdogan, and French prospect Pauline Astier.

In their late April game against Indiana, Xu led the Liberty with 20 points in 22 minutes of action. She added a pair of blocks but only managed two rebounds in the preseason loss. 

On Sunday in Connecticut, Jonquel Jones led the team with 15 points. Also scoring in double figures were the recently re-signed Marine Johannes with 12, Anneli Maley with 13 off the bench, and an impressive dozen points for Astier in her first taste of WNBA hoops.

New superstar signing Satou Sabally didn’t dress for either preseason matchup, continuing her conditioning as she prepares to return to play. She is likely to feature on Friday night for her Liberty debut.

This season will be Connecticut’s last year in the Northeast, as the team celebrates their “Sunset Season” ahead of their relocation to Houston in 2027. The Sun will likely take over the “Comets” moniker, reviving the historic WNBA franchise that folded in 2008.

Friday marks the Sun’s last trip to New York in their current capacity. The Liberty will make their final visits to Connecticut on Monday, June 8 and Saturday, August 15.

After the season opener, New York will hit the road for a trio of games. First they visit the Washington Mystics on May 10 before playing a pair of games against the Fire, their first matchups in Portland. The Liberty will return to Brooklyn 

Sabrina sidelined

New York will be without Sabrina Ionescu to start the year. The 6th year Liberty guard injured her ankle in the 3rd quarter of Sunday’s loss but luckily avoided significant injury. Still, Sabrina will be sidelined for at least two weeks before being evaluated again.

Ionescu missed significant time in her early WNBA days with an injury to the same ankle. It’s important for NY to be patient and cautious as last season was an injury-marred one.

Liberty Lock Up Big 3, Sign Satou Sabally

BQE Admin on April 23, 2026

3x All-Star joins loaded roster in hunt for a 2nd NY ring

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

“It’s always been a dream, playing here. I’ve always wanted to come home,” said Satou Sabally in her introductory press conference last Friday morning. “New York fans are tough on you and I love that and embrace it but they’re also so welcoming.”

The three-time WNBA All-Star is one of the newest members of the NY Liberty, who have hit the ground running in free agency. So far she is enjoying her time back in the city she was born in, looking forward to the season’s tip-off next month.

Satou Sabally

Sabally spent 2025 in Phoenix where she helped bring a loaded Mercury team to the WNBA Finals. She was dominant on both sides of the ball, just as she was in Dallas the six seasons prior. She was named an All-Star for the third time as she led Phoenix in scoring in the regular season and playoffs.

Sabally and superstar teammate Alyssa Thomas overcame a Game 1 loss to the Liberty in last year’s opening round to win in three games. They went on to do the same in four games against the championship-favorite Minnesota Lynx before ultimately being swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.

Sabrina Ionescu

The Liberty announced the return of their star trio later on Friday. Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones will all be back in seafoam green this year, as expected.

Ionescu may be returning to a primary ball-handling role this year. The 2020 first overall pick is now a four-time All-Star, also named to the All-WNBA 2nd Team last year.

Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart was a vital piece of the Liberty’s quest to repeat as champions last year. The 9-year superstar has dominated on both ends of the court, leading New York in points, blocks, and steals per game. She went to her 7th All-Star game, also earning All-WNBA 2nd Defensive Team honors last season.

Jonquel Jones

2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones is staying for 2026, looking to bounce back from a season where she wasn’t quite as dominant as others. The Bahamanian missed some time last year (as did Ionescu, Stewart, and plenty of others) but still tallied 12 double-doubles. Her physicality in the paint will be vital this year, especially with the addition of Sabally to the frontcourt.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is coming back to New York after missing the 2025 season with a meniscus tear. A sharpshooting wing and defensive force, Laney-Hamilton is bringing an unmatchable intensity back to the Liberty lineup.

Preseason training camp is underway in Brooklyn, with the first of two tune-up games tipping off this weekend. New York will host the Indiana Fever on Saturday, the 25 at 3pm at the Barclays Center. Then after heading up for a second preseason game in Connecticut, they open the regular season against the Sun on May 8 in Brooklyn.

Nets One of a Few NBA Teams to Honor Black History

BQE Admin on February 18, 2026

Brooklyn hosts one of the best Black History Month celebrations of 2026

It was Black History Night at the Barclays Center earlier this month as the Nets took on the Chicago Bulls! Photos: Christian Spencer

By Christian Spencer

sports@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets are one of the few NBA teams this year to host a Black History Month game, showing how the franchise’s identity is deeply rooted in its Black heritage. 

On February 9, the team celebrated that identity with a 123–115 win over the Chicago Bulls, in-arena performances, and a special appearance by Nets legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

The evening was not just a game, but a veritable indicator of Brooklyn’s influence on Black culture, basketball, and community.

Fans watched a tight contest that swung both ways before the Nets closed it out with crisp late-game execution and balanced scoring down the stretch. 

Beyond the scoreboard, the game highlighted Black generations and community traditions that have shaped Brooklyn’s identity. 

African dancers opened the night with bright colors and pounding drums that energized the arena and set a vibrant tone.

A cookout-style dance-off followed, as Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z playfully competed over which generation produced the best music and moves during a pregame “Black Family Reunion” activation staged with Brooklyn-based platform The Lay Out. 

The Nets hosted a pregame fireside chat on Black health and wellness, where artist and entrepreneur Styles P spoke with local community groups about mental, physical, and emotional healing. 

KBT Temple and Praise performed Lift Every Voice & Sing and the National Anthem before tipoff, and the Brooklynettes and Team Hype honored Black social dance at halftime alongside the New York Liberty’s Timeless Torches, bridging generations. 

The programming was a copious investment in Blackness that extended beyond the court.

Before the halftime show, fans were welcomed by NBA legend Julius Erving, popularly known as Dr. J. 

Though his appearance was brief and silent, the arena erupted in cheers as the iconic player watched his hometown team secure a meaningful win during Black History Month. 

Dr. J’s presence was especially fitting: he won championships in both the ABA and NBA and inspired generations of players, including Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter. 

His Nets jersey — No. 32 — hangs in the rafters.

Julius Erving was honored during the game. His Nets jersey sits in the rafters at the Barclays Center.

Other NBA teams also hosted Black History Month-themed games. 

The Boston Celtics celebrated with the NBA Pioneers Classic against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, honoring the league’s first Black players, according to The Boston Herald.

The Bucks followed with their Black Excellence Game versus the Bulls on February 3, according to TMJ4, NBC Milwaukee, while the San Antonio Spurs marked Black Heritage Night against the Dallas Mavericks on February 7 with in-game spotlights and community programming, according to The Associated Press.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Black History Month game versus the Washington Wizards is scheduled for February 26. 

Even so, the Nets’ February 9 game offered one of the most performative celebrations, reflecting a season-long commitment to honoring Black culture.

As Brooklyn Downtown Star previously reported, the Nets’ embrace of hip-hop culture separates them from most franchises. 

The team collaborates with the Notorious B.I.G. estate, with the Brooklyn Camo City Edition uniforms — first introduced in 2018–19 and revived for the 2025–26 season — paying tribute to the late rapper and his Bedford-Stuyvesant roots. 

The arena reflects Brooklyn’s hip-hop legacy, from Biggie-themed nights and halftime programming to the influence of Jay-Z, who advocated for the team’s return to Brooklyn.

Nets Turn Kids Day into Full-On Playground

BQE Admin on January 15, 2026

Kids Day at the Barclays Center was a riveting success, full of dancing, performances, and fun! (Photos: Brooklyn Nets)

Michael Porter Jr. Leads Brooklyn Past Nuggets

By Christian Spencer

The Brooklyn Nets’ outreach to young fans centers on community engagement designed to put Brooklyn kids at the forefront of the game-day experience.

The Nets earned a 127–115 win over the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4, the team’s first home game of the new year.

But the Kids Day matchup at Barclays Center—broadcast on the YES Network at 3 p.m.—was part of a broader effort that extended beyond the final score.

“The Nets Kids Games are one of many touchpoints—alongside digital content, community programs, and in-arena experiences—designed to help young fans feel connected to the team,” said Andrew Karson, executive vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

“Kids respond to what feels current and authentic, so staying culturally relevant and listening to how they engage is key to building long-term relationships.”

The first 5,000 children through the doors received Kids Day giveaways, including kid-friendly keepsakes.

The first few thousand kids through the doors got “blind box” giveaways!

Inside the concourse, families had access to select concession items—pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks—priced at $5, lower than the usual cost at NBA games.

Compared with the New York Knicks, whose fan base is long established, the Nets continue to focus on localized engagement.

That includes school-based programming tied to science and technology education, literacy initiatives such as Read Across Brooklyn, and recurring park and neighborhood events in communities including Bedford-Stuyvesant.

“By meeting families and youth where they are and authentically reflecting Brooklyn’s many cultures, we look to cultivate meaningful connections that extend well beyond game day,” Karson said.

Kids Day programming also put young fans at the center of the entertainment. Youth performers appeared during halftime and in-game breaks, and a kid reporter joined the broadcast.

Performances featured kids dance teams and a kid reporter!

“When families experience moments together at Kids Days, Practice in the Park, or community events, those moments become part of their history with family and friends,” Karson said. “Our goal is for today’s young fans to one day return with families of their own, carrying that sense of connection and tradition forward across generations.”

Beyond the Barclays, the Nets extend their reach through programs like NETSTEM, a supplemental STEM curriculum for elementary and middle school students, and Brooklyn Basketball, a joint youth program with the New York Liberty.

Across the street, a combine was held at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center.

“Even for kids who don’t pursue the sport long-term, the memories they create, the lessons learned and the relationships they form will endure,” Karson said.

These programs are designed to meet kids at every stage. At the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, after-school sessions for boys and girls ages 6–17 provide both basketball training and mentorship.

Each experience focuses on building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

“This layered approach allows kids to grow with us, develop life skills along the way, and deepen their connection to the Nets and Liberty over time,” Karson said.

The team is also heavy on its digital content and interactive experiences, bringing young fans closer to Nets experience.

“By sharing behind-the-scenes access and telling connective stories on their favorite platforms, we’re able to spark early connections that can mature into long-term fandom,” Karson said, describing the team’s outreach across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

During the Kids Day game, the Nets were also promoting Michael Porter Jr. as a candidate for the upcoming All-Star Game, with many young fans already familiar with him through TikTok and Instagram, including his presence alongside rapper girlfriend Ice Spice.

MPJ’s star power is resonating with younger audiences, and with the Nets developing their young players and building momentum under head coach Jordi Fernández, the Kids Day celebration reflected learning, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Happy Net Year! Brooklyn Turns the Page With 7-4 December

BQE Admin on December 31, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

While their winning came to an end with Monday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets were able to close out their first month above .500 of the season, their third in the last three seasons.

It’s been a drastic 3-month turnaround for Brooklyn, going winless in five October matchups before a woeful 3-11 November. Since then, a switch has flipped. In addition to their strong shooting, Brooklyn maintained the best defensive rating in the NBA during the final month of the calendar year. They finished 7-4, with impressive wins against the Raptors, 76ers, and Timberwolves.

Already riding a 6-3 stretch into Minnesota, the Nets took on their toughest foe of the month. They only shot 28% for three, but interior scoring helped bring their total FG% to 55%. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28, while Jaden McDaniels added 16. Both were terrific on the defensive end.

Leading Brooklyn off the bench was Cam Thomas, his first game back after missing 20 with hamstring issues. It was his 30th time scoring 30 points in a game, shooting an efficient 9-15 and adding 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Thomas scored 12 straight Brooklyn points in the 3rd Quarter, helping them pull away late for a 123-107 win.

Back home to play the middling Warriors in their 2025 finale, Brooklyn had much less help from the second unit. The bench only added 27 points on 36% shooting, compared to 62 with 64% shooting against the Wolves.

The Nets put together a pair of 10-0 runs in the 1st but couldn’t pull away as Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry powered the Warriors to a 120-107 win. 

It was a tight physical matchup the whole night, with some phenomenal shooting by Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Dëmin. As well as another stellar all-around game from Nic Claxton.

Porter Jr.’s 56% shooting helped him to a team-leading 27 points while Brooklyn’s top draft pick matched his NBA best with 23 points. All of Dëmin’s made field goals came from beyond the arc, setting a Nets rookie record with seven three pointers. Claxton scored 15 points, tallying 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

In his second game back, Thomas produced significantly less in 19 minutes off the bench. He seemed overeager to put up shots despite a focused defensive effort to stop him, shooting 5-12 and finishing with 13 points and 2 assists.

The Warriors shot efficiently in the 4th quarter and a strong effort to stay within reach finally petered out for Brooklyn. They fell for the 20th time this year, an unfortunate finish after dominant play the rest of the month

Cam back off the bench

In his two games back, Cam Thomas showed the positive and negative side of his impact. When his shots are dropping like in Minnesota, he can easily provide a winning spark. When he fixates on getting shots up like against Golden State, he can be taken out of the game and made a detriment on both ends of the floor.

Since Brooklyn began to really turn the ship around in his absence, many were quick to suggest Cam’s ball-dominant playstyle as a culprit. Saturday’s win over Minnesota showed that Cam is more than capable of fitting into this Nets playstyle and providing exactly what Jordi Fernandez needs to lead the second unit.

Alternatively, there are games like Monday’s, where Thomas puts up a game-worst +/- at -24. When he doesn’t get the shots to fall and can’t fit the team’s flow, Thomas turns from a bonafide bucket to a tank engine.

If Brooklyn gets the good side of Thomas over the next month, they’ll be in a fascinating position. While they’re positioned to maximize their first round draft pick in 2026, they may not be sellers at the trade deadline as many expect. General Manager Sean Marks has shown hesitation to deal players and assets without clear benefit, and between Porter Jr. clicking in his first year in Brooklyn and Claxton turning the page, some of his most valuable assets may be ideal building blocks for the future.

Chris DeMarco in the building

Also on the Barclays Center hardwood on Monday night was Chris DeMarco, the new head coach of the New York Liberty. In his final game as an assistant with the Warriors, DeMarco was spotted chatting with Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez before tip-off and taking photos with the Golden State coaching staff after the final buzzer.

With the new year comes DeMarco’s new role, and the longtime Dubs assistant has officially closed that chapter of his career. Now DeMarco shifts his focus to the team taking the floor later in 2026, with a busy offseason still playing out.

“I love Barclays, I love what they’re building with the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center across the street,” DeMarco said after his final NBA game. “It’s a beautiful thing to see and it’s a growing league, I’m just excited to get started.”

Nets Match Franchise Record for Margin of Victory With 45-point Win Over Bucks

BQE Admin on December 19, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets delivered a wild smackdown to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, an impressive showing even with Milwaukee missing star big man Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their 45-point win is tied for the largest in franchise history, previously set in New Jersey back in 1993. Their previous record in the Brooklyn era came in 2022 when they defeated the Wizards by 42.

Despite the 127-point performance, no Net scored more than 17 points. Instead it was a terrific all-around performance with 9 different players scoring in double figures, including all 5 starters. Every Net recorded at least one rebound and all aside from Jalen Wilson recorded at least one assist. They beat the Bucks in both stats, also winning the battle in turnovers, blocks, steals, and fouls.

Rookie Egor Dëmin led the charge with his second-best performance in Brooklyn. His 17 points came with solid efficiency, shooting 6/8 and 3/3 at the FT line, also picking up 3 rebounds and 3 assists. While Michael Porter Jr. hit 2 of 7 three pointers and only managed 12 points (about half of his season average) the Net newcomer added 6 rebounds and 5 assists to round out his game.

The Nets were without Head Coach Jordi Fernandez, who missed the game with the flu. Assistant Steve Hetzel picked up his 1st career NBA win, echoing the same gameplan of constant ball movement and defensive effort.

“It’s a 45-point loss to a team trying to lose. They have 4 or 5 wins or whatever it is now,” lamented Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. “That’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent and if you’re not ready you can get your butt whooped by any team.”

It was Brooklyn’s 7th win and the Bucks without Giannis certainly were not ready, though the Nets were by no means playing to lose. While they’re not constructed to contend by any means, they still have plenty of talent and when they connect on the gameplan they have shown immense promise.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, things aren’t exactly going much better than in Brooklyn. It seems Giannis is destined for a trade in the near future and without him it’s possible the Bucks plummet from the 10th seed in the East, where they only hold a 11-16 record. If the Nets can catch their stride, especially depending on how the roster looks down the line, they could easily go on a winning stretch and find themselves in that very same play-in position.

Liberty Welcome New Head Coach Chris DeMarco to NYC

BQE Admin on December 19, 2025

From left to right: Liberty CEO Keia Clarke, General Manager Jonathan Kolb, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Nyara Sabally, Head Coach Chris DeMarco, Isabelle Harrison, Sabrina Ionescu, and Owner/Governor Clara Wu Tsai

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

New York’s newest head coach landed in the city last week for an introductory press conference and youth clinic. Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco fielded questions at the Barclays Center before swapping his suit and tie for a tracksuit and heading across the street to the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center.

After his introductory press conference, DeMarco made his first appearance at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center across the street!

After spending well over a decade in the Bay Area and helping oversee the development of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history, DeMarco is coming to NYC, ready to set his sights on a new challenge as he becomes the 10th to lead the original WNBA franchise.

He’ll finish his assistant coaching duties with the Warriors at the end of the year, coincidentally right after they come to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets on December 29.

Chris DeMarco will finish his tenure with the Golden State Warriors after they visit the Brooklyn Nets at the end of December.

“We needed somebody who understands the habits that go into building a dynasty,” said General Manager Jonathan Kolb. “Someone that’s been in a championship culture and understands the cost of greatness and the accountability that’s required to sustain it.”

DeMarco is one of now seven former NBA assistants set to coach WNBA teams in 2026, joining high profile coaches like Becky Hammon, Natalie Nakase, and Nate Tibbets. It’s a strategy that has worked out well for plenty of teams, especially the Las Vegas Aces who picked up their third championship, all won under Hammon’s leadership. 

The Liberty also saw their 2025 campaign ended by a star-studded team led by Tibbets, who spent 12  years as an assistant for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers, and Orlando Magic. Now New York will look to replicate the formula, also hoping to retain their top talent.

“I’m honored to be in a head coaching role in the WNBA. The league is expanding rapidly, it’s exciting and it’s where I want to be,” said DeMarco. “There’s tremendous growth each year and I get a chance to coach the greatest basketball players in the world.”

“t’s where I want to be. There’s tremendous growth each year and I get a chance to coach the greatest basketball players in the world,” said DeMarco.

Much of the offseason depends on how the collective bargaining agreement shakes out, but once that hurdle is cleared the Liberty are expected to be very aggressive in free agency to retain some stars and bolster their core.

The Liberty will not make a 1st round selection in the 2026 WNBA draft after trading their pick alongside last year’s 1st in the Natasha Cloud deal. Still, they’ll have plenty of assets and allure to bring in what they need to pursue a second title when the season tips off next year.

Brooklyn Finally Breaks Through at Barclays

BQE Admin on December 4, 2025

Emphatic slams punctuate Nets win vs Hornets

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

In their 10th attempt, the Brooklyn Nets were finally able to emerge victorious on their home court in the 2025-26 season. Highlighted by a series of delectable dunks, Brooklyn were able to dispatch the Charlotte Hornets for a 116-103 win on the first night of December. It was their first win on home turf since early April.

Egor Dëmin, Danny Wolf, and Noah Clowney all threw down big dunks to the delight of the bench and local crowd. Egor’s came in transition while Wolf and Clowney both threw down contested slams.

Leading the Brooklyn offense once again was Michael Porter Jr., who recorded his 6th game with 30+ points in his first 17 games as a Net. He hit a season high 7 three-pointers, tied for the second most in his career. Porter Jr. has truly stepped into his new role as primary scorer for the Nets, and he credits Head Coach Jordi Fernandez for helping him elevate his play.

“I think Jordi is a genius of a coach in terms of the schemes he puts out, especially offensively for me” Porter said postgame about his coach. “The different creative ways that Jordi has our team running plays to help me get touches and looks off is really next level. He’s making it so easy for me to play my game.”

Notably, some of the Nets’ best performances have come in the absence of Cam Thomas, currently nursing a hamstring injury. The offense has looked more fluid and potent even without his incredible scoring touch, and the Nets rookies have taken advantage of increased minutes.

Thomas is set to get a MRI at the end of the week, with updates on his return to play coming shortly after. With Brooklyn playing better ball and confidence starting to take hold after a lethargic start to the campaign, perhaps Cam’s return could be the catalyst for continued success. 

Of course, the Nets won’t be in a rush to get Cam back, as his hamstring is the same one injured multiple times last season, holding him to just 25 games played. Whether a contributor on the floor or an asset for a trade, Brooklyn needs Thomas back long term.

Liberty hire Warriors Assistant Chris DeMarco as new Head Coach

BQE Admin on November 26, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The head coaching search for the New York Liberty has finally come to a close, as they tabbed Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco for the position last Friday. 

For two months the team searched for the successor to Sandy Brondello, who led New York to their first ever WNBA title in 2024 before her contract expired at the end of this past season. Brondello was a fan and player favorite, crafting deep connections with Liberty stars over her four years at the helm. As head coach, Brondello became the winningest in the franchise’s 28-year history.

Multiple Liberty stars stood up for Brondello when she was scrutinized following the team’s elimination in the 2025 postseason, and with contracts expiring and a new CBA yet to be signed, it remains unclear if they will all return. Still, Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb remained optimistic that New York’s top talent will look to return for the 2026 season and beyond.

DeMarco brings with tons of high-level experience, part of Steve Kerr’s coaching staff that saw the Warriors rule the NBA and create a dynasty. He was on the Dubs’ staff for all four of their recent championships, and given the similarities in Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu’s games, it will be interesting to see how that translates to the WNBA and to New York.

DeMarco was also named the Head Coach of the Bahamanian men’s national team in 2019, which could lead to a solid relationship with 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, who suits up for their women’s team. 

Warriors guard Buddy Hield commented on DeMarco’s leadership when he showed up late to a Bahamas film session.

“He locked me out of film. That was big time,” Hield said about his former assistant and current national team leader. “He wanted me to be disciplined. He was like ‘you didn’t watch film? You should feel bad as a leader not being on time.’ You respect that from a coach.”

With discipline and a tactical eye at the forefront, DeMarco’s next task will be to return the Liberty to WNBA dominance. Despite starting last season 9-0, New York faltered later in the season, ultimately falling to a Mercury team coached by a former NBA assistant coach in Nate Tibbetts. Now they’re looking to capture that same experience as they pursue a second title.

Brooklyn Basketball Training Center Opens Doors Downtown

BQE Admin on October 2, 2025

The Brooklyn Basketball Training Center is equipped with top-tier tools to help NYC kids perfect their skills! (Photos: BSE Global)

Liberty stars, Nets youngsters join Joe and Clara Wu Tsai for ribbon-cutting ceremony

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

On Thursday afternoon, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE), the Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Liberty held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center. Located just across the street from the Barclays Center, the new state-of-the-art facility will be home to youth clinics, training camps, and an array of local programming to help build the next generation of Brooklyn basketball players.

Brooklyn Basketball, the flagship youth basketball program affiliated with both the Nets and Liberty, has spent a few years building a deeper connection with the local community. Now with the help of the brand new facility they will be able to take their relationship to the next level.

“This isn’t just a building, it’s a bold step in how we empower youth through sports,” said Nets CEO and alternate governor Sam Zussman in his opening statements. “This center is a place where fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness meet innovation, where expert coaching meets cutting edge technology, and where every kid who walks through these doors knows they’re seen, supported, and celebrated.”

“The greatest thing about this place is that it’s not just about the hoops, it’s the people who are going to be in here and the community we’re going to be giving back to,” added Nets General Manager Sean Marks.

Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Natasha Cloud, and Isabelle Harrison were some of the first to test out the new technology, taking each other on in a passing minigame ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Natasha Cloud tested out a passing minigame (Photo: BSE Global)

“Having this facility will show them how to reach [WNBA and NBA] goals. With all the technology and coaches involved in this, I think it’s going to be something everyone wants to be a part of,” said Stewart. “I hope I can come out here to work out if I need to,” she added with a laugh.

From left to right: Clara Wu Tsai, Breanna Stewart, Natasha Cloud, Isabelle Harrison, and Joe Tsai

Also joining Liberty players on stage to cut the ribbon was Nets forward Jalen Wilson and 2025 draft picks Nolan Traore and Drake Powell. After the speeches and ceremony, the NBA and WNBA players headed over to the hardwood to help out with the center’s first ever basketball clinic.

Nets 3rd year wing Jalen Wilson helps a kid with his jump shot at the first ever Brooklyn Basketball Training Center clinic

Wilson helped with jump shot form while others collected rebounds for a group of excited youngsters. It’s the first of many events to come, and with the Barclays Center just a few hundred feet away, Nets and Liberty players are sure to be a mainstay at the center.

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