The New York Liberty announced the release of veteran forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton on Thursday, marking a significant roster move for the defending champions. Laney-Hamilton, a former All-Star selection in 2021, had been instrumental in New York’s championship run last season but found herself increasingly sidelined under head coach Chris DeMarco’s system during the current campaign.
The decision to waive the experienced player reflects shifting priorities within the Liberty’s rotation as the team looks to reshape its lineup. Despite her previous contributions to the franchise’s success, Laney-Hamilton’s playing time diminished, suggesting DeMarco’s strategic direction favored different personnel in key rotational minutes.
With her release now official, multiple WNBA teams are positioned to pursue the veteran forward as a potential free agent acquisition. The move opens opportunities for Laney-Hamilton to continue her career elsewhere while allowing New York to allocate roster resources in new directions as the season progresses.