Former Finals MVP Makes WNBA Return with New York Liberty

The New York Liberty, the reigning WNBA champions aiming for back-to-back titles, have signed forward Emma Meesseman for the remainder of the 2025 season. Meesseman's commitment was announced, though her arrival is pending visa approval, meaning she will join the team later in the season.

Meesseman, a 32-year-old Belgian forward last played in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky in 2022. Despite her hiatus, she attracted significant interest from other teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury before choosing the Liberty, who currently hold a 15-6 record. Sources indicate her return is motivated by a desire to win a championship.

Meesseman brings a strong WNBA resume: an 8-season veteran, 2-time All-Star, and the 2019 Finals MVP after leading the Washington Mystics to their first title with 19.3 points per game (PPG) in the playoffs. She averaged double figures in scoring for all but her rookie season and started 186 of her 238 career games. Most recently, she was the leading scorer at the 2024 Olympics, averaging 23.3 PPG for Belgium. Her career WNBA averages are 11.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.

This signing significantly bolsters an already strong Liberty team featuring stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones (who is returning from an ankle injury). Beyond its star power, New York possesses considerable depth. Adding Meesseman provides the Liberty with extra size and a capable scoring option, whether coming off the bench or slotting into the starting lineup, making the championship favorites even stronger and presenting a challenge for the rest of the league.