New York Liberty Welcome Fans Back to Barclays Center to Tip off 2026 WNBA Season, Celebrating Historic 30th Season
WNBA New York Liberty

New York Liberty Welcome Fans Back to Barclays Center to Tip off 2026 WNBA Season, Celebrating Historic 30th Season

Published on May 7, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
New York Liberty News Release


NEW YORK - The New York Liberty tip off their historic 30th season Friday, May 8, at Barclays Center, hosting the Connecticut Sun at 7:30 p.m. as the franchise celebrates three decades of impact on the game and culture of New York City and steps into its next era. The home opener marks the start of a season-long celebration connecting the Liberty's legacy to the future of basketball in New York.

Prior to tipoff, Liberty legend Kym Hampton will perform the National Anthem, and the Liberty will debut their official 2026 season open video, capturing the spirit of the 30th season and the trailblazers, defining moments, and community that have shaped the organization since its inception. The video anchors a season-long celebration of the Liberty's legacy and its continued influence on the game.

Known for her iconic performances, Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant, along with the Lil Torches, Torch Patrol and Timeless Torches, will perform at halftime in a tribute to a renowned artist connected to a defining moment in Liberty and WNBA history. All guests will receive a rally towel inspired by the team's newly unveiled Nike WNBA "Court Origins" Edition uniform - a modern reinterpretation of the franchise's original 1997 look, debuting when the team takes the court this season. The celebration continues with the unveiling of a custom court inspired by the franchise's original 1997 design, featuring classic elements from the team's inaugural season, including its 90s-style hardwood and iconic Lady Liberty mark. Additionally, Liberty partner essie will provide a fan giveaway to all attendees.

Reflecting the Liberty's deep connection to New York City and its communities, Barclays Center continues to expand its culinary offerings through its Brooklyn Taste program, which highlights iconic neighborhood favorites across the borough, bringing the flavors of New York directly into the game day experience. New options available during the Liberty season include:

Cookies from Levain Bakery Mediterranean street food from Miznon Premium, floral-forward Chinese tea from Molly Tea Spicy rotini from Parm Jamaican patties from acclaimed Chef Kwame Onwuachi's Patty Palace

Smashburgers from 7th Street Burger

Barclays Center will also feature the Brooklyn Signature, a spicy mango margarita served in a souvenir cup and inspired by street vendors across the borough. In Crown Club, Barclays Center's most exclusive club and premier dining experience, Liberty partner Graza will serve a new Graza olive oil-washed martini. To start the Liberty season, Brooklyn Market, which features cuisine from a rotating group of local and minority-owned restaurants, will offer Jamaican classics from CocoBred and American barbecue from Smok-haus.

For the first time during a Liberty season, fans will have access to recently introduced premium and social spaces, including Gallagher Terrace and Modelo Bridge. Gallagher Terrace is a premium membership club featuring the arena's only in-seat dining with full waiter service. Modelo Bridge is an upper concourse fan zone anchored by Barclays Center's longest bar at 63 feet and open to all guests. Together with a revamped main concourse bar, these spaces redefine the west end of Barclays Center and signal the next era of Liberty fandom, where premium experiences and open-access social spaces come together to create a more dynamic, inclusive game day environment.

Building on the 30th season experience, this season, fans can enjoy new offerings, including:

30 Seasons Shop in Section 9: Featuring merchandise celebrating 30 seasons of New York Liberty basketball Mini Prints Vending Machine, presented by Coinbase: Featuring designs from Inciardi Prints, with two new prints for the home opener and additional releases throughout the season New merchandise from WNBA-licensed brands: Nike, Round21, Playa Society and more available at the Official Team Store

The New York Liberty continue to expand the fan experience through innovative partnerships that drive impact on and off the court, reinforcing the organization's role at the intersection of sport, culture, and community. These expanded collaborations include:

AliPay+: Presenting Threes for Trees, which plants a tree for every Liberty 3-pointer at home, and includes an in-game fan contest Shake Shack: Offering a season-long promotion in which fans receive a free burger if the opposing team misses two free throws in the fourth quarter Spotify: Presenting the Liberty DJ booth and in-arena music, with the New York Liberty's Official Playlist updated throughout the season

Sunglass Hut: Offering a Liberty locker room collection at select New York locations, featuring sunglasses curated by Liberty players and Ellie

Extending the 30th season celebration beyond Barclays Center and into communities across New York City, the Liberty will activate across the city with promotions and events, bringing the energy of the season directly to fans across all five boroughs, including:

Bagel Pub: Offering a special Seafoam Szn cream cheese and 10% off at all locations through May 8 BYKLYN Studios: Offering Liberty-themed rides and a new client package of three classes for $30 with code LIBERTY through May 8 Good Time Pilates: Offering 10% off classes through May 8 with code LIBERTY10 Pasta Night: Serving the "Big Ellie" specialty cocktail for $10 through May 8 Shake Shack: Today, Shake Shack Flatbush is offering Shake Shack x New York Liberty T-shirts (with purchase while supplies last) and hosting an Ellie meet-and-greet from 5-7 p.m. The Liberty Cake Shake is now available in NYC and Long Island Shacks for a limited time only. Whitney Museum of American Art: The May 15th edition of Free Friday Nights at the Whitney will be New York Liberty themed with DJ Ty-Michelle and special NY Liberty surprises

A limited number of tickets are available via Ticketmaster. Visit liberty.wnba.com/tickets for more information, including group and partial season plans.

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