The energy was electric on Saturday as the New York Liberty returned home to open their 2025 season in front of a massive crowd — and for the first time in franchise history, as reigning WNBA champions.
The team’s long-awaited 2024 title win — their first in 28 seasons — was immortalized in a pregame ring and banner ceremony in Barclays Center. But it was the fans who turned the opener into a full-blown celebration of basketball and borough pride.
Liberty faithful flooded into the Fort Greene arena ahead of tipoff decked in seafoam green, many sporting homemade signs, vintage merch, and replica rings. Chants of “Let’s go Liberty!” rang out from every section, but not far from the court, 18-year-old Mia Menzies was celebrating more than just the start of a new season.
“I’m celebrating my 18th birthday with the franchise that raised me,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “I’ve been coming to Liberty games since I was a little girl, and winning a championship has been everything to me. I’ve been on an all-time high since it happened.”
For fans Sloane and Ken Rhoden from Birmingham, Alabama, the Liberty home opener was worth traveling cross-country.
“We came to our first Liberty game two years ago and we were absolutely hooked,” Sloane said, adding that she and her dad were excited to see the banner and ring ceremony, and to cheer on their “hometown girl,” Liberty point guard Jaylyn Sherrod.
Before the game began, the Liberty unveiled their 2024 WNBA Championship banner — the city’s first professional basketball championship banner in more than 50 years — as their beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, debuted the 2024 championship ring.
In addition to the Liberty’s signature torch, the championship ring, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills in collaboration with Brooklyn-based artists Dynasty and Soull Ogun, features a powerful visual: a leaf emerging from cracks in concrete.
Symbolizing growth, resilience and new beginnings, the motif pays homage to “The Concrete Jungle,” and signals that the Liberty’s first WNBA title is just the start of a larger legacy.
“In creating the 2024 WNBA Championship Ring, the New York Liberty reflect on our story on and off the court – our commitment to pursuing the dream of a WNBA Championship for 28 years and the pride we take in bringing New York this championship,” said Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty. “This ring is a tribute to every fan, every player who believed in the New York Liberty and shared in our unforgettable 2024 title run.”
At halftime, Ellie stole the spotlight with a Nicki Minaj-inspired set and revealed her own custom replica ring.
“To be gifted and recognized with a REAL championship ring truly shows why New York is different,” Ellie said in a statement to the press. “The ring makes me feel appreciated and a part of what it means to be a champion. It’s real and it’s HEAVY, but it’s mine! Debuting it during halftime was truly surreal, and the crowd went WILD!”
The square-topped ring also opens to reveal a first-of-its-kind hidden gift: a pair of earrings designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, allowing players to carry their championship with them every day.
“This wasn’t just a ring — it was a responsibility,” said Jason Arasheben, founder & CEO of Jason of Beverly Hills. “The story of the 2024 New York Liberty is one of resilience, purpose, and transformation. This piece is as iconic as the championship it celebrates.”
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On the court, the Liberty delivered, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 92-78 in a rematch of last year’s Finals.
Breanna Stewart led the team with 25 points, while new addition Natasha Cloud made an immediate impact, adding 22 of her own.
The victory — and the unveiling of both the championship banner and ring — represented the team’s evolution, said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello.
“I think it’s the growth of our league, isn’t it?” she said of the difference between her 2014 WNBA Championship with the Phoenix Mercury and her big win last year with the Liberty. “To think of where it was back in 2014 to today, it’s just blown up and that makes me really proud.”
Looking ahead, she said, “a year from here, hopefully we’re doing it again.”
