The New York Liberty honored their franchise legends during a pregame session Sunday morning ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks. The gathering, held in the team’s hotel conference room in Los Angeles, featured appearances by Liberty Ring of Honor inductees Teresa Weatherspoon, Sue Wicks, Vickie Johnson, and Kym Hampton, surprising the current players and providing a unique moment of reflection on the team’s history.

After reviewing scouting reports and game film with the former stars present, the current roster and the veterans discussed the evolution of the WNBA, which marked its 29th anniversary on Sunday. The Liberty defeated the Sparks in their inaugural match on June 21, 1997, by a final score of 67-57. Several members of this year’s team, including eight players who were not yet born when the league began, acknowledged the significance of representing the franchise on such a milestone day.

Guard Sabrina Ionescu described the experience as “awesome,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions made by those who played before them. “It’s always really important to understand who played here before you and the importance and significance that they had,” Ionescu said. Fellow player Marine Johannès noted the uniqueness of the moment, commenting that the team feels “lucky to live this moment” as they embark on a four-game West Coast road trip.

Teresa Weatherspoon, one of the franchise’s most storied former players, delivered a motivational message to the team prior to tipoff, though she declined to disclose the details of her remarks. Breanna Stewart shared that Weatherspoon encouraged the players to “do things the New York way.” When asked about the meaning behind that phrase, Weatherspoon described it as embodying “a greatness of mind” and “a never-give-up approach” that resonates with the city’s blue-collar spirit.

Vickie Johnson expanded on the sentiment by highlighting the pride associated with wearing the Liberty uniform. “It was more than just basketball,” Johnson said, underscoring the deeper connection between the team and its community.

The presence of these franchise icons offered a reminder of the Liberty’s enduring legacy as the current squad aims to carry forward that tradition during the ongoing WNBA season.