SportSpyder - The Latest New York Liberty Podcasts

Stewart Dropped 36 on the Lynx. That Won't Be Enough.

Erica L. Ayala — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:05:23 GMT

This episode of Gotta Get Up! was recorded LIVE on July 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET 🗽

The Liberty are riding high — and now it's "Prove It" Week. Erica L. Ayala and Brian Fleurantin break down what's next for New York after a statement stretch.

00:00:00 — Liberty Win the Commissioner's Cup & Beat the Minnesota Lynx
00:03:38 — Does the Commissioner's Cup Win Count? Vegas Without A'ja Breakdown
00:09:33 — Olivia Miles Shutdown: How Liberty Neutralized Minnesota's Star
00:16:00 — Second Chance Points Problem: The One Stat That Concerns Us
00:26:00 — Stewart: 36 Points, 14-of-19 Shooting — MVP Case Examined
00:34:27 — Stewie vs. Sabrina: Who Should Have Won Commissioner's Cup MVP?
00:41:00 — Betnijah Laney-Hamilton DNP: DeMarco's Communication Breakdown
00:52:49 — Exclusive: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Speaks (Audio Only) — The Pause That Said Everything
01:05:00 — Should the Liberty Trade Betnijah? Why the Answer Is No
01:17:00 — First-Time Head Coach on a Contending Team: Is DeMarco Set Up to Succeed?
01:34:00 — Pauline Astier Is Sabrina's Missing Backcourt Partner
01:49:00 — Prove It Week: Liberty Schedule Breakdown Ahead of Dallas

Join the conversation live — drop your questions and predictions in the chat.
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S4 Ep.5 The Liberty Chasing the Crown

Liberty F.M. — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:59:53 GMT

Fresh off winning the Commissioner's Cup and following it up with an impressive victory over the Minnesota Lynx, the New York Liberty suddenly look like a team rediscovering its championship identity.

But was it simply two good wins—or the true turning point of their season?

François discusses:

- Why the Commissioner's Cup could change the Liberty's season

- Sabrina Ionescu finding her rhythm again

- Breanna Stewart's leadership and MVP performance

- Jonquel Jones' dominance on both ends

- The defensive adjustments behind back-to-back statement wins

- Pauline Astier's growing impact on the rotation

- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's recent DNPs

- Why consistency will determine New York's title defense

The Liberty are chasing something much bigger than the Commissioner's Cup. If these last two games are any indication, New York may finally be building the habits needed to defend their WNBA championship.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for exclusive player interviews, postgame reactions, behind-the-scenes content, and bonus clips throughout the season.

S4 Ep.4 The Valkyries Flipped the Switch on the Liberty

Liberty F.M. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:52:17 GMT

Coming off consecutive losses on their West Coast road trip, the New York Liberty head into the Commissioner's Cup Final searching for answers after a frustrating 76-67 defeat to the Golden State Valkyries.

François discusses:

- How Golden State's defense completely disrupted the Liberty's offensive rhythm

- The pivotal 11-0 run before halftime that changed the game

- Why New York's offense fell into hesitation and hero basketball

- Defensive breakdowns, over-helping, and losing the battle in the paint despite a size advantage

- What Chris DeMarco, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu had to say after another disappointing performance

- Whether these struggles are simply growing pains—or signs of deeper issues the Liberty must solve quickly

The talent is still there. The championship expectations haven't changed. But with the Commissioner's Cup Final against the Las Vegas Aces just around the corner, the Liberty have little time to turn potential into consistency.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, postgame reactions, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the season.

Stewart vs Wilson: WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship Preview | Gotta Get Up

Erica L. Ayala — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:54:09 GMT

NOTE: Recorded live on Monday, June 29, 2026

The Commissioner's Cup Final is HERE. New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces — Tuesday at Barclays Center.

Erica and Brian recap Sunday's game against the Golden State Valkyries and shift focus to the biggest game of the young Chris DeMarco era. Join us LIVE tonight at 7:30 PM ET.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a GGU livestream.

TONIGHT'S TOPICS:
🗽 Valkyries Recap — How did New York look heading into the Cup Final? Did they fix the closing problems, or are the questions still there?
🗽 Liberty vs. Aces: The Rivalry — This isn't just a Cup game. It's Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones against A'ja Wilson and Las Vegas on the biggest mid-season stage in the WNBA. What's at stake beyond the trophy?
🗽 The DeMarco Barometer — Two blown leads. A West Coast road trip. Now a championship game at home. Is Tuesday night the truest test yet of what this coaching era is made of?
🗽 Can New York Close? — The question that's been following this team for two weeks gets its biggest answer Tuesday night at Barclays. We break down what has to happen for the Liberty to win.

📬 Hype or concern? Tell us in the chat.
Gotta Get Up! is a New York Liberty podcast and YouTube livestream from Black Rosie Media. New episodes every week throughout the 2026 WNBA season.

S4 Ep.3 Castles Made of Sand

Liberty F.M. — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

After an eight-game winning streak and a trip to the Commissioner's Cup Final, the New York Liberty look like contenders once again—but the bigger questions haven't disappeared.

François discusses:

- The defensive adjustments that sparked the turnaround

- Chris DeMarco's impact on both ends of the floor

- Pauline Astier's impressive emergence and Marine Johannes' polarizing role

- Why Jonquel Jones is looking like her championship self again

- The concerns about rotations, consistency, and recurring effort issues

- Why the upcoming stretch could define the Liberty's season

The Liberty have shown just how high their ceiling can be. Now it's about proving they can reach it every night.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, postgame reactions, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the season.

The Liberty's Lead Keeps Disappearing. We're Asking Why.

Erica L. Ayala — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:48:41 GMT

The New York Liberty have blown leads in back-to-back games with the Commissioner's Cup Final 8 days away. Erica and Brian are live tonight at 7:30 PM ET.
🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a GGU livestream.

0:00 — Intro: Two Back-to-Back Blown Leads, What's Going On With the New York Liberty?

2:17 — Washington Mystics Recap: How Did the Liberty Lose an 8-Point Lead on Juneteenth?

17:44 — The Final Play Breakdown: Nneka Ogwumike's Buzzer Beater & Liberty's Communication Breakdown

33:01 — The Sabrina Ionescu Factor: Is the Rust a Real Concern Before the Commissioner's Cup Final?

51:00 — Fourth Quarter Chat: Blowout Loss vs. Close Loss — Which Is Worse for a Championship Team?

57:47 — Should the Liberty Make a Trade? Chris DeMarco's Biggest Test Yet

📬 Worried? Not worried? Tell us in the chat.

🏀 SHE'S BACK!!! And So Are The New York Liberty

Erica L. Ayala — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:55:49 GMT

Sabrina Ionescu is BACK — and the New York Liberty are headed to the Commissioner's Cup Final. New York clinched with an 86-64 win over Washington on Sunday, extending their winning streak to SEVEN games and moving to 10-4 atop the Eastern Conference.

Erica and Brian break it all down LIVE tonight at 7:30 PM ET.
🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a GGU livestream.

0:00 — She's Back: Sabrina Ionescu Returns to the Liberty Lineup
3:09 — Sabrina in Her Own Words: "I'm Happy to Put on a Jersey Again"
5:13 — Why Ionescu Came Off the Bench (First Time Since 2021)
24:08 — Sabrina on the Knicks Win: "That's Just New York Basketball"
47:07 — The 7-Game Win Streak Breakdown: Have the Liberty Exercised Their Demons?
57:59 — "Why Are We Trading Sabrina?!" — Erica Goes Off on the Trade Talk
1:03:27 — Chopped Cheese vs. The Regular: The NYC Food Debate Nobody Asked For
1:12:01 — Live Reaction: Dallas Up 50-26 on Vegas at Halftime — Aces in Trouble?
1:19:38 — Commissioner's Cup Is Coming — And the Liberty Are Undefeated in It
1:23:55 — Every Time the Liberty Made the Commissioner's Cup Final, They Made the WNBA Finals

📬 Ask us anything in the live chat — we're taking questions all show.

Gotta Get Up! is a New York Liberty podcast and YouTube livestream from Black Rosie Media. New episodes every week throughout the 2026 WNBA season.

Jones and Ionescu Out, Han Xu STEPS UP — Is the Liberty Bench Ready? | S4.E11

Erica L. Ayala — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:22:04 GMT

With Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu sidelined, Han Xu stepped into the starting lineup — and the New York Liberty picked up their fifth win of the season, 89-80 over the Connecticut Sun. But the final score doesn't tell the whole story.

Erica and Brian break down what the Liberty's reserve depth actually looks like when the starters sit, what Han Xu's performance in an expanded role means for this roster, and why the turnover problem isn't going away on its own.

The bigger question: are these minutes a gift — a chance for the second unit to build real chemistry and confidence heading into the stretch run? Or should Liberty fans be uneasy about how close games have been against lower-seeded opponents?

Subscribe for weekly New York Liberty coverage from Gotta Get Up! — the only dedicated Liberty podcast and YouTube show.
🎙️ Hosted by Erica L. Ayala (CBS Sports) & Brian Fleurantin (Nets Daily)

00:00 – Liberty Win Streak Hits Five
01:27 – Road Win vs Connecticut + Han Xu's First Start
08:58 – Zone Defense Shuts Down Indiana
12:21 – Breanna Stewart's "Sandpaper" Edge
26:40 – Is Stewie's Workload a Concern?
34:47 – Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's New Bench Role
43:34 – Marine Johannès & DeMarco's Confidence Play
50:24 – Commissioner's Cup: Atlanta Dream Preview
59:09 – Sabrina Ionescu Injury Update
1:09:20 – Trade Sabrina for Caitlin Clark?? (Fan Q&A)
1:40:52 – Championship or Bust? Liberty's 2026 Window
1:52:34 – Stewie on Sandy Brondello's Departure

New York Liberty 5-4 After 9 Games — Bounce-Back Season or Cause for Alarm? | WNBA 2026

Erica L. Ayala — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:48:39 GMT

🔴 Recorded LIVE June 1st at 7:30 PM ET.

The New York Liberty entered 2026 as favorites to win the WNBA title. Nine games in, they're 5-4 — and the last two wins came against a 2-7 team while turning the ball over 30+ times. Winning ugly is still winning. But is it enough?
We're going live to break it all down.

🗽 Is Betnijah Laney-Hamilton more valuable off the bench than in the starting lineup?
🗽Can Breanna Stewart sustain this workload over a full season?
🗽 What's the honest assessment of Jonquel Jones so far?
🗽 And what is the long-term role for rookie Pauline Astier in Chris DeMarco's system?

These are the questions that matter right now — and we're not sugarcoating the answers.

0:00 — Welcome & intro: Is it too early to panic about the Liberty?
1:41 — Guest intro: Jackie Powell joins the show
3:24 — Stewie on managing expectations: "We want to win in October"
5:22 — Jackie's history with Gotta Get Up + breaking down the Phoenix wins
59:24 — Dogs vs. assassins: Does this Liberty team have enough edge?
1:03:40 — Getting Jonquel Jones into her flow state
1:07:52 — The Sabrina Ionescu question: point guard or shooting guard?
1:12:47 — Is it the coach or the roster? Comparing Sandy to Chris DeMarco
1:18:27 — The Tina Charles warning: don't waste this championship window
1:23:47 — Sabally injury concerns & the starting five debate
1:30:40 — Erica's starting five for the Toronto game + MJ vs. Betnijah
1:35:36 — Closing thoughts: Sandy's return, Indiana next, and what this team still needs

📌 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss it.

Post Shootaround Interview in French with Pauline Astier - May 27th

Liberty F.M. — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:31:12 GMT

After a tough game against Portland, Pauline Astier opens up on the WNBA grind, the quick turnaround between games, and how she’s adjusting to the league’s relentless pace 🇫🇷🗽

“It’s a grind… we’re just focused on the next game.”

Post Shootaround Interview in French with Marine Johannès - May 27th

Liberty F.M. — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:27:11 GMT

After today’s Liberty practice, Marine Johannès opened up about criticism, social media, motivation, and the team’s response after the Portland loss 🇫🇷🗽

“Sometimes it motivates me to prove people wrong.”

S4 Ep.2 The Liberty’s Growing Pains

Liberty F.M. — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After an emotional start to the new era in New York, the early-season reality check has arrived.

François discusses:

- Turnovers and defensive breakdowns across three games

- Why inconsistency, not effort, is the real issue

- The early bright spots

- Why the ceiling is still real when it clicks

- Why it’s too early to panic — but not to ignore patterns

It’s early. It’s messy. But the ceiling is still there.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, reactions, and behind-the-scenes content as the season unfolds.

S4.E9: New York Liberty 3-4 Start: Concern or Overreaction? | Ari Chambers Breaks It Down

Erica L. Ayala — Wed, 27 May 2026 09:02:30 GMT

The defending champions are off to a rocky start — and we're getting into all of it. Journalist & w omen’s sports pioneer Ari Chambers joins Gotta Get Up! to break down what's really happening with the New York Liberty in 2026.

We're taking a calm, clear-eyed look at the Liberty's 3-4 start — from player performance and roster construction to life under new head coach Chris DeMarco.

Are Liberty fans right to be worried, or is this a classic early-season overreaction? Ari helps us separate the noise from the real concerns.

And we can't let Ari leave without talking New York basketball at large — because the Knicks just swept the Cavaliers to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. We're getting her take on what it means for the city.

Plus — you might not know this, but Ari's connection to the Liberty runs deep. Before she was covering women's sports on ESPN, she was a member of the Liberty's Torch Patrol. We're going there.
In this episode:

🗽What the Liberty's 3-4 record actually tells us — and what it doesn't
🗽Player performance and roster questions through the early stretch
🗽What to make of Chris DeMarco's first weeks as head coach
🗽Ari's days on the Liberty Torch Patrol — and what it taught her about this league
🗽The Knicks are going to the NBA Finals — what does Ari think?

🎙️ Guest: Ari Chambers — Forbes 30 Under 30, SI's 100 Most Influential Women in Sports, former New York Liberty Torch Patrol member

🔴 Join us LIVE Tuesday at 7:30 ET — drop your questions and reactions in the chat!

Thumbnail photo credit: Brandon Todd/New York Liberty

#NewYorkLiberty #WNBA #WNBA2026 #AriChambers #GottaGetUp #LibertyBasketball #WNBATwitter #NewYorkLiberty2026 #WomensSports #WNBAToday #NYKnicks #KnicksNation #NBAFinals #NBAFinals2026

S4.E.08| The Liberty are shorthanded — but reinforcements are on the way. 🗽

Erica L. Ayala — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:10:58 GMT

Recorded live on May 18th, 2026

The Liberty are shorthanded — but reinforcements are on the way. 🗽
We're breaking down everything you need to know about the injury and availability situation surrounding New York's most anticipated players of 2026.

Sabrina Ionescu has been out since rolling her left ankle in the preseason finale against the Connecticut Sun, and while the MRI avoided a "significant" diagnosis, she's missed the first several games of the season.

The good news?
She's been back at practice and trending toward a return. When does she step back into the lineup — and what happens to the rotation when she does?

Then there's Satou Sabally — one of the most hyped free agent signings in Liberty history and "The Unicorn" still hasn't played a single minute in blue and orange. She's been sidelined with a cyst, but she too has reportedly been participating in practice. What's the realistic timeline for her debut?

And on the arrivals side: Leonie Fiebich just helped Valencia win the Spanish League championship — so Leo's coming back with even more hardware.

Meanwhile, Raquel Carrera is also wrapping up her overseas commitment with Valencia before making her way stateside. When can we expect them in the rotation, and what does the roster start to look like once everyone's finally healthy?

Erica L Ayala

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Brian Fleurantin

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S4 Ep.1 New Beginnings

Liberty F.M. — Wed, 13 May 2026 01:44:36 GMT

Felicia and François are back for Season 4 of Liberty F.M. — and after the heartbreak of how last season ended, a new era has officially begun in New York.

We discuss:

- How Chris DeMarco’s vision compares to the style Liberty fans have grown used to.
- The biggest roster changes and which players could define this season.
- Early takeaways from wins over Connecticut and Washington.
- Why the Liberty already look dangerous despite missing key pieces.
- What challenges and opportunities lie ahead this season.
- What’s new for Liberty F.M. as we begin our fourth season covering this team we love.

A new season. A new voice. A new beginning.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content!

S4.E6 | Sabrina Ionescu Injury News: How Worried Should Liberty Fans Be?

Erica L. Ayala — Mon, 04 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Sabrina Ionescu is dealing with an injury — and we're not going to sugarcoat it. We break down what we know, what it means for the Liberty's season outlook, and how concerned Liberty Nation should really be.

But there's still a lot to be excited about. Two preseason games in, we take stock of where this team stands — what's clicking, what still needs work, and which players are making a strong case for themselves heading into the regular season.

Speaking of which: roster cuts are coming. We get into who's fighting for a spot, who's likely safe, and who could be on the bubble as the Liberty finalize their 2025 squad.
It's a big week for Liberty basketball.

Let's get into it.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a live episode of Gotta Get Up!
👇🏽 Drop your questions and takes in the chat — we want to hear from Liberty Nation!

Liberty vs. Fever Preseason Recap + Kolb Finally Talks Natasha Cloud

Erica L. Ayala — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:16:39 GMT

LIVE - April 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET

The W is back, and we are RIGHT here for it. 🗽

We kick things off with a full breakdown of Saturday's preseason opener at Barclays — the Liberty dropped a 109-91 decision to the Indiana Fever, but honestly? There's a lot to unpack beyond the final score.

Han Xu lead all Liberty scorers with 20 points in her return to Barclays Center, while Breanna Stewart dropped 16 points and grabbed five rebounds in just TWELVE minutes.

Caitlin Clark made her return to WNBA action, rookie Raven Johnson turned heads in a big way, and we got our first real look at this new-look Liberty roster with Satou Sabally in the mix.

We're talking about what we saw, what we liked, and what we're not reading too much into (because it's the preseason, people).

Then we get into the conversation Liberty fans have been waiting on. At Sunday's media day, GM Jonathan Kolb broke the organization's silence on Natasha Cloud — calling her a New York legend, pushing back hard on the narrative that her activism had anything to do with her not returning, and explaining what really happened during free agency.

We're giving you the full picture, our honest reactions, and the bigger question hanging over all of it: where does Tasha land, and what does the league owe her?

00:00 Preseason strategy and shooting focus

16:33 Han's basketball growth and communication

30:19 Utilizing Caitlin Clark's versatility

31:07 Utilizing star player's impact

46:29 Satsu Sabali's playoff impact

56:25 Discussing Natasha Cloud's future prospects

01:08:37 Considering team futures and player longevity

01:15:45 Developing young players for success

01:26:19 Trusting Sabrina with leadership

01:41:25 Liberty's past struggles and improvements

01:55:15 Revamping the LA Sparks team

02:04:31 Liberty's potential and league dynamics

02:10:58 Natasha Cloud's absence and roster changes

This one's for the real ones. Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read everything.

🗽 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
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#NewYorkLiberty #WNBA #NatashaCloud #GottaGetUp #LibertyNation #WNBAPreseason #CaitlinClark #JonathanKolb

S4.E04 | NEW LOOK NEW YORK — DeMarco Era Begins + What Happened to Tash Cloud?

Erica L. Ayala — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:02:14 GMT

Training camp is open, and the New York Liberty look nothing
like the team that lost in the first round to Phoenix a year ago.

Brian is LIVE on the scene as the DeMarco era officially begins
at Barclays Center — and we have a lot to talk about.

🏀 WHAT WE'RE GETTING INTO:

🗽 THE DeMARCO ERA BEGINS
Four NBA championships. Thirteen years with the Golden State
Warriors. Now he's the 10th head coach in Liberty history.

Chris DeMarco called this job a "no-brainer" — but what does his system actually look like on the floor? Brian is at camp and we're breaking down first impressions, what's different, and whether a Warriors-influenced system works with this roster.

🗽 THE NEW LOOK LIBERTY
Stewie is back. Sabrina is back. JJ is back. But the roster around them looks very different. Satou Sabally is in Brooklyn after helping Phoenix knock the Liberty out in 2025. Raquel Carrera and Pauline Astier are new faces. And several core pieces from the championship run are gone. What does this team actually look like — and is it better?

🗽 WHERE IS TASH CLOUD?
Natasha Cloud — three-time All-Defensive Team, 2019 champion, 10.1 points and 5.1 assists per game in seafoam last season — is currently not on any WNBA roster. A week before Opening Night.

She broke her silence on Threads Sunday: "I've given my heart to every team and community I've been part of."

How does a player of her caliber end up here?
Is the salary cap structure under the new CBA the real issue?
Is this about fit?
Is there still a team that makes sense?

We're not just asking the question — we're answering it.

📋 THE FULL 2026 LIBERTY TRAINING CAMP ROSTER:
Returners: Fiebich, Gardner, Ionescu, Johannès, Jones, Stewart

Previously with the Liberty: Allen, Han, Laney-Hamilton

New arrivals: Satou Sabally, Raquel Carrera, Pauline Astier, Marine Fauthoux

Note: Stewart, Johannès, and Erdoğan join next week following the EuroLeague Women's Final Six.

📬 Subscribe to the WBB Roundup — twice-weekly women's basketball coverage in your inbox: https://wbb-roundup.beehiiv.com/

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🕗 LIVE: Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 PM ET

#NewYorkLiberty #WNBA #GottaGetUp #NatashaCloud #ChrisDeMarco #LibertyNation #WomensBball #BlackRosieMedia #WBBRoundup #LibertyTrainingCamp

Satou Sabally Signed! What about Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Tasha Cloud, & Marine Johannès?

Erica L. Ayala — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:46:18 GMT

The New York Liberty are BUILT DIFFERENT this offseason — and Erica L. Ayala and Brian Fleurantin broke it all down on this week's Gotta Get Up, the podcast for New York Liberty fans brought to you by Black Rosie Media.

Satou Sabally is headed to Brooklyn on a multiyear deal, reuniting with former Oregon teammate Sabrina Ionescu and forming one of the most loaded frontcourts in WNBA history alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

But how does the elder Sabally sister actually FIT?
Is the Liberty roster too big? What happens when Stewart and Sabally both need to play the four? A
nd what about the concussion that cost her the 2025 Finals — can we really count on her staying healthy?

We also got into the fan favorites whose statuses are still up in the air:
🗽 Natasha Cloud — Tash is an unrestricted free agent. She expressed interest in staying in New York, but the cap math is getting tight. Does she come back? And was she even the right fit?

🗽 Betnijah Laney-Hamilton — BLH missed ALL of 2025 with a torn meniscus. She's a reserved player — meaning she can ONLY negotiate with the Liberty — and she's been counting down the days on her Instagram. The Brooklyn faithful want her back. So do we. What's the update?

🗽 Marine Johannès — The French fan favorite appeared in every single game in 2025 when everyone else was hurt. She's received a qualifying offer from New York. Is she back? What's her role on a suddenly crowded roster?

Plus: new head coach Chris DeMarco, what this roster means for the 2026 championship chase, and whether the Liberty can finally get past the Aces.
👀 Championship or bust?

🎙️ Gotta Get Up is the podcast for New York Liberty fans, hosted by Erica L. Ayala and Brian Fleurantin, brought to you by Black Rosie Media — credentialed at the table for the WNBA Draft, WNBA Finals, Paris Olympics, and more.

📬 Subscribe to the Women's Basketball Roundup newsletter — twice weekly WBB coverage delivered to your inbox: https://wbb-roundup.beehiiv.com/

00:00 Commissioner fields questions at draft
06:18 Discussing lineup strategies and teaching
13:56 Satu's impact on the team
18:46 Deciding on adjusting playing time
24:26 Sabrina's role in the 2024 season
27:57 Sabrina's improved driving skills
37:05 Discussing player lineup strategies
40:31 Impact of a longer roster
47:51 Managing player minutes and competition
49:54 Focus on flexible, switchable lineups
58:30 Discussing offensive rebound strategies
01:02:04 Discussing Kia's role on the team
01:09:23 Discussing Indiana's defensive needs
01:13:17 Social media and WNBA engagement
01:16:28 Emma Messiman's challenging season in NY
01:21:09 Beck Allen's return and team dynamics
01:30:52 Adjusting to new team dynamics
01:33:49 Discussing Stewie and New York Liberty
01:41:41 WNBA podcast schedule update
01:43:47 Podcast outro and thanks

🏀 Gotta Get Up! LIVE: Nyara Sabally to The Six | Ionescu, Stewart, Jones Set to Return

Erica L. Ayala — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:19:24 GMT

Women's basketball is moving FAST right now — and we have a LOT to say.

Join Brian and Erica for a special Gotta Get Up! livestream breaking down one of the biggest weeks the sport has seen in years. The New York Liberty lost Nyara Sabally to the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA expansion draft. UCLA just claimed its first-ever NCAA championship. WNBA free agency is about to open. The draft is days away. We are not taking a breath.

Here's what we're getting into:

🏀 LIBERTY LOSE NYARA SABALLY TO TORONTO
🏆 UCLA WINS THE 2026 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP
💸 WNBA FREE AGENCY — THE LANDSCAPE
📋 2026 WNBA DRAFT PREVIEW

💬 YOUR QUESTIONS LIVE IN THE CHAT
Drop your takes, questions, Liberty concerns, and UCLA celebrations. We're here for all of it.

📰 Not subscribed to the WBB Roundup yet? It's our twice-weekly women's basketball newsletter — and if this week's news is any indication of what this season is going to look like, you need it in your inbox. Subscribe for free at blackrosiemedia.com.

🎙️ Gotta Get Up! is a podcast for New York Liberty fans, part of Black Rosie Media — a women's sports media company covering women's basketball and women's hockey with the depth they deserve.

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Are the New York Liberty Still Contenders? 2026 Preview + WNBA CBA Explained

Erica L. Ayala — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:53:27 GMT

Is the New York Liberty’s championship window still open heading into 2026?

Gotta Get Up tackles the team’s future as the WNBA’s new CBA rewrites the rules of engagement. Hosts Erica L. Ayala and Brian Florentin break down the potential impacts of increased max salaries, the introduction of developmental roster spots, and vital changes for player movement—including trade protection clauses for pregnant players.

They weigh in on the franchise’s strategies with Brianna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, Banijah Laney Hamilton, and Natasha Cloud all in the free agency and expansion draft mix.

Reactions to a fast and furious off-season, a Final Four recap, and the looming arrival of new expansion teams—like the revived Houston Comets—keep the stakes high. Can Chris DeMarco steer the Liberty through roster shake-ups and a longer season?

The show examines what the Liberty must do to remain true contenders as they chase glory in the WNBA’s milestone 30th season.

🏀 In this episode:
🗽Elite 8 recap from the NCAA Women’s Tournament
🗽What the new WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement means
🗽Free agency, roster questions, and key decisions ahead
🗽What has to happen for the Liberty to contend again in 2026

With a new coach, major roster uncertainty, and the league celebrating 30 seasons, this is a pivotal moment for New York.

00:00 Elite Eight recap and draft preview

03:23 UConn vs. Notre Dame matchup

07:04 South Carolina's offensive improvement

12:54 Lauren's growth and mindset

15:53 Intro and topics for today's episode

18:01 New collective bargaining agreement

19:48 Key updates in new CBA

23:15 WNBA salary updates and rookie pay

28:37 Connecticut Sun's history and legacy

30:08 WNBA award payouts increase

35:13 Discussing J.J.'s contract options

38:40 Team dynamics and Cloud's value

41:06 Elite Eight discussion and free agency

44:05 Navigating leadership during negotiations

48:26 Questions about Chris DeMarco's readiness

51:30 Preparing for the upcoming season

53:57 Looking ahead to WNBA season

56:09 Outro

S3 Ep.17 The New York Liberty are Running Out of Time

Liberty F.M. — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Felicia and François are back after a grueling road trip for the Liberty — one defined by injuries, tough losses, and the lingering question of whether New York is running out of time. But with stars returning and flashes of dominance resurfacing, there’s still a glimmer of hope as the season winds down.

We break down:

Whether the Liberty’s injuries are too much to overcome — or if deeper issues are at play.
What the team could (and should) have done better despite the circumstances.
Why role players must step up no matter who’s available.
How Breanna Stewart’s return to form could be the key to saving the season.
Why a convincing win in Seattle is more than just a morale boost.
A reminder of just how dangerous this team can be at full strength.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content!

S3 Ep.16 The New York Liberty and the Audacity of Hope

Liberty F.M. — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:08:23 GMT

Felicia and François are back after a whirlwind stretch for the Liberty — from a surprising slip against the Chicago Sky, to a short-handed loss in Atlanta, to a hard-fought win over Connecticut in Breanna Stewart’s return. The ups and downs made clear: there’s still work to do before the playoffs.

We break down:

How Chicago exposed some of New York’s biggest weaknesses.
Whether injuries are the main culprit — or if the issues go deeper.
Why the Liberty’s Big 3 remaining undefeated is still a major source of hope.
The impact of Stewart’s return and what it revealed about the team’s identity.
The pros and cons of Sandy Brondello’s “All Out” system.
What the upcoming regular season stretch means for playoff positioning.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content!

S3 Ep.15 The New York Liberty got their lick back

Liberty F.M. — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:10:02 GMT

Felicia and François are back after a tough road trip that saw the Liberty stumble against the Aces and Lynx — but New York bounced back at home with an 85–75 win over Minnesota, showing sharper focus and a different mentality from the jump.

We break down:

The Liberty’s locked-in start and how mindset set the tone.
Smart defensive adjustments to limit Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride.
Sabrina Ionescu’s two-way impact — not just scoring, but defending and leading.
Jonquel Jones’ dominant night in the paint.
A collective effort on the glass and why boxing out mattered so much.
Kennedy Burke’s continued spark off the bench.
Our favorite moments from the victory and what it means going forward.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content!

S3 Ep.14 Sign O’ the Times: Minnesota Ends NY Liberty’s Streak

Liberty F.M. — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Felicia and François are back after a rollercoaster stretch for the Liberty — from snapping a four-game skid with an inspiring three-game winning streak, to a frustrating home loss against the Minnesota Lynx that brought some old issues back to the surface.

They break down:

Sabrina Ionescu’s MVP-caliber tear — dominating vs. Connecticut with 36 points while showing she’s more than just a shooter, plus her fiery leadership sparking the team.
Emma Meesseman’s seamless impact — instant chemistry, smart playmaking, and how her presence raises the Liberty’s ceiling.
Positives in the Lynx loss — bench energy, the JJ–Emma connection, and a good first half.
Negatives that cost them — 20 turnovers, stagnation, and struggles to stay together under pressure.
What Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Marine Johannès, and Emma Meesseman said about toughness, execution, and discipline.
Injury update on Breanna Stewart — and how the Liberty are balancing urgency with health.

📲 Follow @libertyfmpod on Instagram for bonus clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content!