New York Liberty Roster Update: Carrera and Rirad Out for 2025 Season
The New York Liberty will be without two training camp signees, Raquel Carrera and Seehia Rirad, for the upcoming 2025 WNBA season. The team announced Monday that both players will be sitting out due to personal reasons.
Raquel Carrera’s WNBA delay Continues
Raquel Carrera, a Spanish power forward currently playing for Valencia Basket in Spain’s Liga femenina, was initially drafted by the Atlanta Dream with the 15th overall pick in 2021. Her draft rights were then traded to the Liberty. Carrera holds the distinction of being the highest-drafted Spanish player in WNBA history, but has yet to make her debut in the league.
Liberty’s Training Camp Roster Takes Shape Amid Injury concerns
The New York Liberty are navigating roster decisions as training camp progresses, with 14 players currently under contract. This comes as French power forward Seehia Rirad, recently playing for Sedis Cadi La Seau in Spain, announced via Instagram that she underwent surgery three days ago, casting uncertainty on her immediate availability.
Key Players Returning for the Liberty
Eight players from last season’s roster are returning, providing a solid foundation for the team. These include Nyara Sabally, Jaylyn Sherrod, Leonie Fiebich, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke, Kaitlyn Davis, Marquesha Davis, and Betnijah laney-Hamilton.
New Faces Join the Team
The Liberty bolstered their roster this winter,adding depth and versatility for the upcoming season. Further details on specific acquisitions are anticipated as training camp unfolds.
New York Liberty Reload, Acquire Natasha Cloud, Harrison, and See Johannes Return
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty have made significant moves to strengthen their roster, acquiring guard Natasha Cloud in a trade and signing forward Isabelle Harrison, signaling their intent to contend in the WNBA this season.
Key Additions and International Talent Headline Liberty’s Offseason
The Liberty also welcome back Marine Johannes, who last played for the team in 2023, after she sat out the 2024 season to compete with the French national team. The team’s General Manager Jonathan Kolb has emphasized the organization’s commitment to building a roster with international reach, selecting French center Adja Kane with the 38th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Kane is expected to continue her advancement overseas for the next few years with support from the Liberty.
Roster Competition Heats up at Training Camp
Esmery Martinez and Rebekah Gardner are also set to compete for roster spots at training camp, promising an intense battle for inclusion on the final roster. of the 14 players currently under contract, only 12 will make the final cut.
Laney-Hamilton’s Injury Clouds Forward Position
A potential complicating factor is the health status of veteran forward laney-Hamilton,who is expected to miss moast,if not all,of the season due to a meniscus injury sustained in the offseason.This absence could open opportunities for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s success.
What impact will Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s injury have on the Liberty’s starting lineup and overall team strategy?
New York Liberty Roster Update: FAQ
Get the inside scoop on the New York Liberty’s roster changes heading into the 2025 WNBA season!
Q&A
- Who is Raquel Carrera, and why isn’t she playing?
- Raquel Carrera is a Spanish power forward drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2021 and whose rights were traded to the Liberty. She is the highest-drafted Spanish player in WNBA history, but she won’t be playing in the 2025 season due to personal reasons.
- Who is Seehia Rirad?
- Seehia Rirad is a French power forward, recently playing in Spain, who will be out for the 2025 season due to personal reasons. She has just had surgery.
- Who are the key returning players for the Liberty?
- The Liberty is bringing back a core group, including sabally, Sherrod, Fiebich, Ionescu, Stewart, Burke, Davis, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
- Who are the new additions to the team?
- The Liberty acquired Natasha Cloud in a trade and signed Isabelle Harrison. Marine Johannes is returning after sitting out the 2024 season. They also drafted Adja Kane.
- What’s the deal with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton?
- Laney-Hamilton is sadly expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season due to a meniscus injury.
- How many players will make the final roster?
- Out of the 14 players currently under contract,only 12 will make the final roster.
- What is the Liberty’s strategy for the 2025 season?
- The Liberty are focused on building a roster with international talent and contending for a championship.
Stay tuned for more updates as training camp progresses!
