UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty argues a foul call during play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)

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Megan Armstrong

By Megan Armstrong

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The New York Liberty are the odds-on favorite to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.

The Liberty leapfrogged the Las Vegas Aces, the reigning champions and winners of three of the past four championships, after going all-in during free agency last month.

Not only did the Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu to retain the "Big 3" that won the franchise's first WNBA title in 2024, but they also signed three-time All-Star forward Satou Sabally to form a "Big 4."

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On paper, the Liberty are neck-and-neck with the Aces as top-tier contenders. But the games aren't played on paper, and injuries are constantly looming as a threat to derail any season.

The Liberty learned that last season, and they were just reminded of it again.

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - MAY 03: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty argues a foul call during play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)

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Ionescu landed awkwardly after driving to the bucket early in the third quarter of the Liberty's preseason game in Connecticut on Sunday. The four-time All-Star guard immediately limped to the locker room and did not return to the game.

After the game, first-year Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco began the postgame presser by telling reporters that Ionescu "rolled her ankle" and would undergo an MRI on Monday. Ionescu wore a boot on her left foot postgame, per Madeline Kenney.

After going No. 1 overall to the Liberty in 2020, Ionescu missed all but three games due to a Grade 3 left ankle sprain that later required surgery to remove scar tissue. She's been durable and readily available over the ensuing five seasons.

DeMarco said Ionescu's outlook is "positive," but the team won't know anything definitive about her availability moving forward until her MRI.

The Liberty will open their 2026 regular season, the WNBA's 30th season, by hosting the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center next Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. EST.

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