WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu & More Celebrate NY Liberty’s Historic Win

Brittany Mahomes Encourages Caitlin Clark to Shake Off the Haters Amid WNBA Journey

Welcome to the sweet land of New York Liberty.

Following the WNBA team’s historic championship win against the Minnesota Lynx in a close 67-62 match Oct. 20, New York’s very own took to the streets of NYC to celebrate with a ticker-tape parade.

Not only were the streets teeming with floats, confetti, thousands of supporters and the team’s beloved mascot Ellie the Elephant but it was also chalked full of the excited champs—including star players Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones—basking in their long-awaited victory.

“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna said in a statement published on Oct. 21. “To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history, it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”

And bonkers it was. Like when Breanna was spotted popping a bottle of champagne and smoking a cigar while riding on a float. Or when Sabrina could be seen hopping off the float to sign autographs for excited kids who were let out of class early to catch a glimpse of the parade. 

But the truth is these ladies have earned a bit of fun with the city they represent. Not only did the NY Liberty secure the franchise’s first ever championship in their 28-season run, but it’s also New York City’s first professional basketball championship win since 1973. And while the fans have stood by the team’s side through every free throw, jump shot and slam dunk, it’s the players who leave it all on the court each game.  

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

“After 28 years, we can finally say it: the New York Liberty are WNBA champions,” general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement, noting that while the fans “never wavered,” the real troopers are “our players, whose grit, sacrifice, and determination have made history. They are truly the first to do it in New York and I could not be more proud of this entire organization.”

And the players aren’t the only ones who pulled up for a good time. Embattled mayor Eric Adams joined in alongside several politicians across the state. 

Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images

There’s no denying that this year has been huge for women’s basketball, with ratings for the WNBA playoffs up a whopping 142 percent compared to last season per Yahoo! Sports and 2024 having the highest average attendance since 2018 per ESPN. Part of that increase in attention can be attributed to the new age of WNBA players, like Indiana Fever’s Caitlyn Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reece, who have made their online presence as strong as their on-court skills.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

But as it was New York who came out on top as they won the finals in five games, the city made sure they had a celebration fitting their massive success.

“At a time when the rest of the country is finally acknowledging the endless talent in our WNBA, we are proud to have New York City bring home the trophy,” the mayor said in a statement announcing the celebration. “To our WNBA champions, thank you for being a role model to our city, and showcasing the values of grit, determination, and hard work.”

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