As the 2025 WNBA season kicks off on May 17, Breanna Stewart, the New York Liberty’s two-time MVP, is poised to lead the reigning champions in their title defense, starting with a blockbuster opener against the Las Vegas Aces. Fresh off a minor meniscus surgery and a standout performance in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league she co-founded, Breanna Stewart has already dazzled in the preseason, dropping 16 points in 15 minutes against the Connecticut Sun.
This article dives into Breanna Stewart’s preseason impact, her role in the Liberty’s championship quest, and her transformative Unrivaled venture, offering fans a deep dive into a WNBA icon’s 2025 journey.
Background: Stewart’s Stellar 2024 and Beyond
Breanna Stewart, a six-time All-Star and 2024 WNBA champion, led the Liberty to their first title in October 2024, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds during the season, per ESPN. Her clutch overtime free throws in Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx sealed a 67-62 victory, erasing memories of a missed shot in 2023, per NBC News.
In March 2025, Breanna Stewart underwent a minor scope on her right meniscus but is fully recovered for training camp, per ESPN. Her offseason was marked by Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league she co-founded with Napheesa Collier, which debuted in January 2025 and set a record for the highest average salary in women’s team sports at $250,000, per The Guardian.
Breanna Stewart’s preseason performance against the Sun on May 9 showcased her offensive efficiency: 7-of-9 shooting for 16 points and two steals in a half, per @WomensHoops_USA. Despite missing the May 9 opener, she’s expected to play in Oregon on May 12, per @madkenney. Her leadership, as WNBA Players Association Vice President, also drives CBA negotiations, with the current agreement expiring in October 2025, per Yahoo Sports.
Preseason Analysis: Stewart’s Dominance
In Liberty’s preseason, Breanna Stewart’s first-half explosion against the Sun highlighted her versatility. Her 77% field goal percentage and ability to score eight points in the first quarter underscored her readiness, per @WNBA.
Paired with Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, Breanna Stewart forms a formidable frontcourt, with their chemistry clicking in their second season together, per ESPN. The Liberty’s new $80 million Brooklyn practice facility, where Stewart has been showcased, signals their commitment to defending the title, per The Athletic.
Coach Sandy Brondello commended Breanna Stewart’s defensive development, pointing out that she scored 10.9 points in the paint per game, according to ESPN, and had a top-15 defensive rating following the 2024 All-Star break. According to ESPN, Stewart will play the league’s top-ranked player, A’ja Wilson, the current MVP, against the Aces.
According to ESPN, Stewart’s scoring (46% from three after the break) continues to be the Liberty’s mainstay, even though their redesigned squad, which now includes Natasha Cloud, adds defensive grit.
Unrivaled’s Impact and Stewart’s Legacy
Breanna Stewart’s Unrivaled venture, launched with Collier, has reshaped women’s basketball. The league’s inaugural season, ending March 17, saw Stewart score the first basket in its history—a baseline jumper—and average 19.1 points and 11 rebounds, despite her Mist BC team missing the playoffs, per Yahoo Sports.
According to CNBC, players have power in CBA negotiations because of Unrivaled’s popularity, which includes TNT broadcasts and high fan interaction. According to TIME, Stewart’s idea to pay WNBA players more than their salaries while they are in the United States over the offseason has been praised as revolutionary.
Why Breanna Stewart’s 2025 Matters
Breanna Stewart’s 2025 season is a pivotal chapter. Her preseason brilliance, recovery from surgery, and Unrivaled’s triumph position her as a leader on and off the court. For fans, the Breanna Stewart vs. Aces opener, airing at 3:00 p.m.
ET on ABC promises a clash of titans, with Stewart’s 22-point average post-2024 break signaling her intent, per ESPN. Her four NCAA titles, three WNBA championships, and three Olympic golds cement her as a legend, per @big_business_. As the Liberty chase a repeat, Stewart’s impact will define the WNBA’s record-setting 2025 season. Read more.
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