Emma Meesseman is returning to the WNBA — and she or he’s becoming a member of the crew that simply received all of it. The previous Finals MVP has dedicated to the New York Liberty, in line with ESPN, ending a multi-year absence from the league. The addition provides the defending champions much more firepower as they push for back-to-back titles.
Meesseman, who final performed within the WNBA in 2022, might want to finalize her visa earlier than formally suiting up. Now 31, the 6-foot-4 ahead from Belgium had drawn curiosity from a number of groups, together with the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, earlier than finally selecting New York.
The choice reunites her with Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello and assistant Olaf Lange, each of whom have coached Meesseman with the Belgian nationwide crew in previous worldwide competitions.
Meesseman Provides Championship Pedigree to a Loaded Roster
Meesseman is greatest identified to WNBA followers for her position in serving to the Washington Mystics win the 2019 championship. She averaged 19.3 factors and 5.6 rebounds throughout these playoffs, coming off the bench to earn Finals MVP honors, the primary time a reserve participant had ever received the award.
After spending seven seasons in Washington, she joined the Chicago Sky in 2022, the place she posted averages of 12.4 factors, 5.6 rebounds and three.8 assists per recreation. Her effectivity, passing capability, and perimeter capturing made her probably the most versatile forwards within the league.
Past the WNBA, Meesseman has constructed a legacy as one of many prime worldwide gamers on this planet. She led Belgium to back-to-back EuroBasket titles and was named MVP of the match in each 2023 and 2025. This summer time, she averaged 19.2 factors, 9.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists for Belgium whereas guiding them to gold.
Her membership profession abroad has been equally spectacular. Taking part in for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, Meesseman received a number of EuroLeague titles and earned three straight EuroLeague MVPs from 2023 to 2025. She’s additionally a two-time Olympic All-Star 5 choice, having starred for Belgium in each Tokyo and Paris.
Her return to the WNBA now provides the Liberty a singular luxurious — the power so as to add a confirmed, championship-caliber participant to a roster already full of All-Stars.
The 💛💙 Queen returns to her throne!#EuroLeagueWomen x @EmmaMeesseman pic.twitter.com/iLakLTezdH
— EuroLeague Ladies (@EuroLeagueWomen) July 17, 2025
Liberty Poised to Make One other Title Run
The timing couldn’t be higher for New York. The Liberty are contemporary off their first WNBA championship and at present sit close to the highest of the standings as soon as once more. Jonquel Jones, who has missed a lot of the season as a consequence of an ankle damage, is predicted to return this week.
With Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu all taking part in at a excessive stage, Meesseman’s addition rounds out a gaggle with title repeat aspirations. Few groups in WNBA historical past have managed to repeat as champions.
Identified for her unselfish play and basketball IQ, Meesseman is predicted to fit in seamlessly alongside New York’s present stars. She brings one other high-post facilitator to an offense that thrives on ball motion and spacing. Defensively, her capability to modify and talk might be key through the playoffs, the place versatility and execution usually resolve sequence.
The Liberty not too long ago added Stephanie Talbot to fill their twelfth roster spot. A transfer might be required to clear room for Meesseman as soon as she completes the visa course of. However these near the crew imagine that’s a minor hurdle for a participant of her caliber.
There’s no agency timetable but for Meesseman’s debut, however as soon as she arrives, the message is obvious: the Liberty aren’t standing nonetheless. They’re seeking to elevate one other banner, and she or he could assist them get there.
