New York Liberty officially move to Brooklyn next summer

The New York Liberty fanbase finally gets their wish as the team returns to the five boroughs of New York City.

The 2020 WNBA season has the opportunity to be a rebirth for the New York Liberty franchise. The number one pick will join the young group of players in next year’s WNBA draft, and the team is officially moving to Brooklyn permanently for their home games.

The WNBA and Liberty announced last week the team will call Barclays Center their new home in 2020. For the past two seasons, the Liberty played at Westchester County Center, where the capacity was 2,100. The move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will expand the capacity to more than 8,000, with opportunity for growth.

David Levy was named CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, and President of J Tsai Sports, which operates the Liberty. Levy shared his thoughts on the decision to bring the Liberty to Brooklyn in a statement.

"“We are committed to the Liberty’s long-term success in New York and relocating the team to Brooklyn will provide the franchise with tremendous opportunity,” said Levy. “With many of our fans based in the five boroughs, moving to Barclays Center will make the Liberty more centrally located, allowing us to bring back the original fan base and attract new supporters. The venue change, along with the first pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, has positioned the team for an exciting future.”"

The Liberty played two games at Barclays Center last season, splitting an exhibition game against the Chinese National team and regular season battle with the Seattle Storm. The team drew big crowds on both games further pushing the notion that the team’s core fan base resides in the five boroughs.

https://twitter.com/nyliberty/status/1184832648625184768

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert weighed in on the announcement and the franchise’s special place in the league’s history.

"“The New York Liberty are part of the foundation of the W and have many of the most accomplished players and passionate fans since the inaugural season, Barclays Center is the perfect venue to host New York’s team and showcase world-class women’s basketball. This move is key to driving the league to the next level.”"

New York called Madison Square Garden home for the majority of its existence under the ownership of the company. Since being acquired by Tsai the team has meshed into the Brooklyn Nets family since last season.

The Liberty players have previously shown interest in remaining in Brooklyn, and they are finally getting their well-deserved wish next summer.