On October 15, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, forward Breanna Stewart (30) of the New York Liberty warms up ahead of game three of the 2023 WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center.

The New York Liberty’s intention to label current WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart as a fundamental player has been disclosed by general manager Jonathan Kolb to ESPN on Friday. This decision came two days after the Liberty’s season concluded with a loss in Game 4 to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals.

Similar to a franchise tag in the NFL, the fundamental designation prevents Stewart from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Throughout the regular season, the seasoned forward, in her first year with New York after six seasons with the Seattle Storm, maintained an average of 23.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, starting all 40 games.

Stewart, 29, expressed her enthusiasm for the team’s efforts in New York and her anticipation of continuing to contribute for many years, stating to ESPN, “I’m excited for what we’re doing here in New York, looking forward to doing it for many years to come.”

Additionally, Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, also 29, has held the fundamental designation for the past two maximum years and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. On Friday, the 2021 league MVP conveyed her inclination towards a return, mentioning her average of 11.3 points and 8.4 rebounds in all 40 games during the 2023 season.