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4mo ago

Liberty Expected to Suspend Laney-Hamilton’s Contract After Season-Ending Injury

The New York Liberty star will miss the 2025 WNBA season following meniscus surgery, as the team moves to clear cap space and retain future rights to the player.

In this Jan. 8, 2020, photo, New York Liberty's general manager Jonathan Kolb speaks to reporters during a news conference at Barclays Center in New York. Kolb knew that he and first-year coach Walt Hopkins would have to make some tough decisions on the team's roster this year. He just didn't think they'd have to do it so quickly and without seeing players compete on the court in training camp. The WNBA and the players' union decided that teams would have to get their rosters under the salary cap by Tuesday, May 26, so that the players could start getting paid on June 1. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
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Overview

  • Betnijah Laney-Hamilton suffered a left meniscus tear during the winter Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and underwent surgery in March 2025.
  • Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb confirmed it is likely the team will suspend her 2025 contract, removing her $185,400 salary from the cap and opening a roster spot.
  • The suspension allows the Liberty to maintain negotiating rights with Laney-Hamilton for the 2026 season.
  • Laney-Hamilton played a vital bench role in the Liberty’s 2024 championship run but will not return to basketball activities until late 2025 at the earliest.
  • The Liberty aim to use the added roster flexibility to address challenges from expansion draft losses and midseason player absences for EuroBasket.