Emma Meesseman who is well recognized as 2019 WNBA Finals MVP is ready to join the New York Liberty mid‑season. All details on how her veteran presence could reshape the roster and hope for the best for her that it becomes a winning move for her.
🌍 Background Context: Stars Aligning Mid‑Season
Emma Meesseman (32) the well known Belgian superstar who is recognized for her 2019 WNBA Finals MVP award and two-time EuroLeague MVP honors, is reportedly finalizing to join the New York Liberty after her excellent performance on EuroBasket 2025. She’s currently navigating visa and roster activation steps to join the team mid-season .
With Isabelle Harrison sidelined by knee issues and Jonquel Jones still recovering, Liberty coach Sandy Brondello has openly expressed the urgency to shore up frontcourt depth Early-season cap space and veteran minimum flexibility make the Liberty strong front-runners .
🏀 What Meesseman Brings
- 2019 WNBA Finals MVP: Averaged 17.8 PPG off the bench en route to historic Mystics championship .
- International dominance: With her amazing skills Meesseman led Belgium to consecutive EuroBasket titles where she also earned MVP honors in 2023 and 2025.
- All-around versatility: Stretch-five scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defense projected 12.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.8 APG in WNBA .
- Proven fit: Connections to Liberty stars (Breanna Stewart, Natasha Cloud) and coach Sandy enhance chemistry .
🌐 Free‑Agency & Signing Dynamics
Meesseman remained unsigned as WNBA cut-down day neared and was widely expected to join a contender . As of today, the Liberty are preparing an official contract pending her visa approval .
Her veteran minimum deal is capped at ~$78,831, but Liberty can offer prorated max around $118K due to their cap flexibility—better than many rivals. If finalized, she could debut this week and offer immediate frontcourt relief.
📊 Liberty’s Need for Meesseman
Following injuries and a frontcourt reduction, New York urgently needs size. Isabelle Harrison (knee) is out, and Jonquel Jones (ankle) is expected to miss time post-All-Star break .
WNBA analyst insights highlight Liberty’s interest in Meesseman based on her “versatile, high‑IQ” impact . Her familiarity with Euro teammates strengthens clubhouse fit.
🔥 Impact on Team
- Rotation boost: Offers 15–20 MPG alongside Stewart, filling loose forward/C roles.
- In-season flexibility: Likely to enjoy rotational role tailored to team needs.
- Playoff depth: Adds invaluable two-way scoring and veteran composure when stakes rise.
Even Minnesota and Phoenix have expressed interest but Liberty stand out for both need and cap.
Liberty add veteran Stephanie Talbot as Emma Meesseman lingers in free agency https://t.co/9vtOf6PTz7 pic.twitter.com/T3dubhsQfw
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 21, 2025
⚠️ Potential Risks
- Overlapping time-off: International commitments may briefly conflict with WNBA schedule .
- Limited cap room: Liberty must release a roster spot by July 13 to stay cap-compliant .
- Fit uncertainty: Adjusting her game from international star to mid-season bench role requires chemistry with the new Team members.
However, Liberty appear willing to make those adjustments, signaling strong confidence in the move .
🧭 Timeline & Expectations
- Visa process: Last details in progress expects mid week debut if smooth .
- Roster update: As July 13 cut down is almost at the Door, Liberty are preparing to open a slot.
- Performance snapshot: First few games are very crucial to measure integration and respond to frontcourt needs.