Copy Edited by George Jong
Saturday, October 20th, 2024, marked the New York Liberty’s first ever WNBA title in franchise history, overcoming the Minnesota Lynx 67-62. Their road to glory was especially rewarding, after nearly three decades and four finals appearances without a title. Finals MVP Jonquel Jones (who scored 17 points against them in the championship game) became a beacon of resilience and transformation among professional sports. Not only was the title special, but it ended a half a century drought for the city, the last professional basketball title coming in 1973 with the New York Knicks.
To wait fifty years for a basketball championship is almost unreal, and seeing the Liberty finally bring that trophy home feels like a citywide sigh of relief and a celebration of perseverance that makes me feel proud to be a part of this moment. Major strategic and coaching shifts, roster moves and a reliance on small players looking to break into the WNBA were all part of the road to a championship for the Liberty. The Liberty, purchased by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai in 2019, charted a new course, both strategically and aesthetically, intended to reinvigorate a team in desperate need of identity. In place of the old ownership, the new regime pushed a five year plan to rebuild the roster and install a championship mentality throughout the organization. A big part of this transformation was achieved through General Manager Jonathan Kolb, who marshaled the team’s resources to assemble a team with stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. This complete revamp turned the franchise around. To me, it shows that with the right vision, anything is possible. Watching the Liberty transform from underdogs to champions gives me so much hope that, no matter how bleak things seem, change is always within reach.
The Liberty had a monumental 2024 season, earning a franchise best 32-8 record and number one seed in the playoffs. This season gave us the Liberty’s depth and cohesion, a roster of offensive firepower blended together with defensive tenacity. Jonquel Jones’ MVP level play was massively critical; her June and July performances in the postseason were massive for the Liberty, double-doubles and all, as well as leading on court. That’s no small feat. I have massive respect for the endless hours they must’ve poured into becoming this powerhouse, and I feel immense admiration for their discipline and focus. Watching them on this journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
But the win was important to New York City, which has been craving a professional basketball championship. Students at Townsend Harris like Ethan O’ Sullivan and Jasleen Banga, who are huge supporters of the Liberty’s, celebrated with the entire family over the Liberty’s success. The team’s attendance is bolstered by a firm relationship like Ethan and Jasleen’s, which the team has developed with their fan base through their community engagement initiatives, such that excitement and loyalty have increased over the years. It is a reminder to Townsend Harris that basketball can be more than just a game–it can be a vehicle for dreams, resilience and community. Their championship run is proof that basketball has the potential to inspire, unite and empower, offering a platform for athletes to break barriers and make an impact beyond the court. I feel that the community aspect of sports is often underestimated, but this moment proves how sports can inspire and unite people, and it’s heartwarming to see the impact on students at my own school.
The Liberty planned celebrations took place across Manhattan and Brooklyn in the wake of their victory, honoring fans who have jumped on the team’s bandwagon through its highs and lows. “I didn’t really realize how important the WNBA was until all of my friends and I were sitting on a couch cheering on the Liberty’s” stated Anuj Nath, a Junior at Townsend Harris, who didn’t normally watch basketball. Fans ranging from newcomers like Anuj, to longtime veterans of the team, grabbed every vestige of this historic win with merchandise sales skyrocketing as fans raced to secure memorabilia, and the Liberty’s colors came flooding onto social media in their jubilation.
The Liberty’s championship win is not just a win, but a shout to the lasting strength of perseverance, strategic investment and unyielding community support. The Liberty’s showed students how basketball is a channel for dreams for everyone, not just the professionals on the court.
Reflecting on the Liberty’s historic victory, I am filled with pride and admiration for the team and their remarkable achievements. Their journey to securing the WNBA championship is a testament to basketball’s power to create dreams, unity and community on and off the court. The Liberty’s success goes far beyond winning the championship–it brings widespread recognition and respect for the sport, engaging fans throughout New York, including students at Townsend Harris, that will stick with the WNBA as supporters of the Liberty. Their domination this season is a testament to the evolving landscape of the WNBA, and should garner way more media attention than it does currently, creating a pivotal moment for New York and women’s basketball.
