Liberty Stars Ranked Top 5 By ESPN

Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are leading the New York Liberty through challenges in their championship defense, ranking fourth and fifth respectively in ESPN's mid-2025 season top 25 players list.

New York is the only team with two players in the top five and one of three franchises, alongside Indiana and Phoenix, to have two players in the top 10.

Stewart is averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, matching her career-high from her 2023 debut, while showcasing new "Harry Potter"-inspired sneakers. ESPN analyst Michael Voepel notes her consistency, including double-figure scoring in all but one game, strong two-point shooting at 53.6%, and top-five league win shares, emphasizing her crucial role if the Liberty repeat as champions.

Ionescu, now the Liberty's all-time leader in three-pointers, is averaging a career-best 18.8 points and refining her mid-range game. ESPN's Kendra Andrews highlights her ability to take over offensively when needed, with her intensity and efficiency proving vital during an injury-plagued season.

The top three players in ESPN's ranking are Napheesa Collier (Minnesota) at number one, A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas) at number two, and Alyssa Thomas rounding out the trio.

Both Ionescu and Stewart will participate in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on separate teams and have one final regular-season game together against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.