WNBA champion Liberty receive rings, raise banner before defeating Aces 92-78 to open season

The New York Liberty received their WNBA championship rings and raised their title banner before Saturday’s season opener. Then they looked like a team capable of repeating as champions in a 92-78 win over the Las Vegas Aces.

Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, while Natasha Cloud scored 22 points with 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals in her New York debut. Jonquel Jones added 17 points, 10 boards and 6 assists for the defending champions.

Advertisement

With a new lineup that features Jewell Loyd, the Aces are learning how to play together. That may have been most apparent during the second quarter when WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson took a rest and Las Vegas had difficulty scoring. The Aces went scoreless for nearly six minutes and were eventually outscored 28-13 before halftime.

The Liberty’s championship rings also include earrings

Before tipping off the 2025 season, the Liberty celebrated last season by getting their championship rings. Designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, the rings feature the team’s signature torch on top with symbolic touches along the sides.

Advertisement

A leaf rising from the concrete represents New York City, while the 28 stones in the leaf symbolize the 28 years of the franchise’s existence. On the other side, a single diamond in the WNBA trophy represents the team’s first championship.

Also included are a pair of earrings, held underneath the top of the ring which comes off. Along with the earrings, the surface features a basketball court and the results of the three playoff series that the Liberty won to earn their championship.