Breanna Stewart was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team for the seventh consecutive season, the league announced Thursday. The New York Liberty star joined Golden State’s Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada, and Washington’s Sonia Cintron on the second team.

Stewart’s recognition this year marks a shift from her previous five seasons, during which she earned All-Defensive First Team honors. The two-time MVP last missed the first team in 2021. Since entering the league in 2016 with the Seattle Storm, Stewart has been selected to an All-Defensive Team every season. She was also named to the All-Defensive Second Team as a rookie, a year in which she won Rookie of the Year and finished sixth in MVP voting.

In the 2026 season, Stewart appeared in 42 games for the Liberty, averaging 6.8 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Alongside her defensive contributions, she posted 20.8 points and 3.3 assists per game, serving as a key player on both ends of the floor. Her length and defensive versatility allowed Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco to implement a zone defense scheme that effectively disrupted opposing offenses across the court. Stewart’s ability to guard opponents both on the perimeter and in the paint was a vital factor in New York’s defensive performance.

The Liberty finished the regular season ranked seventh in the league in points allowed per game (86.4) and opponent field goal percentage (44.8). Stewart’s defensive presence was central to these statistics.

The All-Defensive First Team was led by Atlanta Dream standout and Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese. The first team also included Reese’s teammate Rhyne Howard, Washington’s Shakira Austin, Golden State’s Gabby Williams, and Las Vegas’s A’ja Wilson.

The announcement coincided with the news that Liberty rookie Pauline Astier earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team, highlighting a strong season for New York’s roster development.