Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, a key player for the New York Liberty, has faced a challenging 2026 season marked by a reduced role and uncertainty about her future with the team. After missing the entire previous season while recovering from knee surgery, Laney-Hamilton returned physically strong but has experienced fluctuating playing time and a shift from starter to bench contributor.
Speaking prior to the Liberty’s game against the Dallas Wings on July 7, Laney-Hamilton acknowledged the difficulty of her current situation but emphasized her team-first approach and determination to contribute in any capacity. “Just as a competitor and everything, as somebody who’s worked really hard, somebody who’s been a part of the organization for a long time, it’s … it can sometimes be disappointing and frustrating,” she said. However, she added that she remains focused on bringing her best effort within the circumstances she faces.
Laney-Hamilton missed time early in the season due to personal reasons and was sidelined briefly in mid-June after receiving an injection in her surgically repaired knee. More recently, she has sat out three games, including the Liberty’s Commissioner’s Cup victory over the Las Vegas Aces and a win against the Minnesota Lynx, despite being available to play. Head coach Chris DeMarco described the reduced playing time as part of his effort to tighten the team’s rotation but stressed that Laney-Hamilton remains an important member of the squad. “She is valuable to us,” DeMarco said, adding that ongoing communication with the player is a priority.
Laney-Hamilton has held multiple discussions about her role and future on the team with both DeMarco and general manager Jonathan Kolb. With the WNBA trade deadline approaching on August 2, she remains uncertain about what lies ahead. “We’re working on things,” she said when asked if she expected to remain with the Liberty beyond the deadline. “I don’t know what everything looks like right now. I’m just trying to take everything one step at a time and just stay in the moment.”
Support from fans has been a notable aspect of Laney-Hamilton’s experience this season. During a recent home game, chants of “We want Laney” echoed through Barclays Center as she remained on the bench, underscoring her popularity among the Liberty’s supporters. Laney-Hamilton expressed gratitude for the fans’ continued backing during this difficult stretch. “It’s also a little overwhelming with the situation and everything and emotions and all the things,” she said, “but it’s something that I don’t take for granted, something that I do really appreciate to just know that the fans continue to have my back through a difficult time.”
As she navigates the remainder of the season, Laney-Hamilton remains committed to contributing to the team’s efforts and hopes to regain a more prominent role on the court.