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Liberty Shocker: Finals Hero Laney-Hamilton Waived
New York Liberty Say Goodbye to Championship Hero Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
What Happened?
On Thursday, the New York Liberty made a surprising move: they waived (released) Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. She had been with the team since 2021 and was a huge part of their 2024 WNBA championship win.
Important Point:
Laney-Hamilton helped bring the Liberty their first-ever championship. The team says her legacy is "forever cemented" in franchise history.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Betnijah wasn’t just any player. Here’s what she accomplished with New York:
- Played 126 regular-season games for the Liberty
- Named WNBA All-Star in 2021
- Named to All-Defensive Second Team in 2023
- Averaged 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during her time in New York
- Won WNBA Most Improved Player award in 2020 (before joining the Liberty)
- Fan favorite known for her grit, toughness, and leadership
She previously played for Chicago, Connecticut, Indiana, and Atlanta before finding a home in New York.
What the Team Said
General Manager Jonathan Kolb released a heartfelt statement:
"We want to thank Betnijah for everything she has given to this organization… She has been an instrumental part of our success since 2021 and has made a lasting impact on our team, both on and off the court. We’re incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day."
"While this decision is incredibly difficult, we believe this will give Betnijah the best opportunity to pursue a larger basketball role. We wish her nothing but success moving forward, and she’ll always be a member of the Liberty family."
Why Did This Happen Now?
Under new head coach Chris DeMarco, Laney-Hamilton’s role shrank dramatically this season:
| Stat | This Season |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 17 out of 32 |
| Minutes Per Game | 16.8 |
| Last Game Played | July 12 |
Coach DeMarco didn’t give many details. He said he still had confidence in her and confirmed she was healthy (she missed all of last season with a knee injury). But the playing time told a different story.
What’s Next for the Liberty?
With Laney-Hamilton gone, the team has an open roster spot. The most likely candidate to fill it? Marine Fauthoux.
Who Is Marine Fauthoux?
- French rookie (first-year player from France)
- Currently on a developmental contract (a tryout-style deal)
- Has played 11 games so far — developmental players max out at 12 games
- Must be signed to a standard contract or released after one more game
How Has She Played Lately?
Over her last 8 games, Fauthoux has averaged:
- 6.1 points
- 3.1 rebounds
- 2.1 assists
- Increased playing time since mid-July
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who left? | Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, guard/forward |
| Team | New York Liberty |
| When? | Thursday (waived/released) |
| Tenure | 2021–2025 (126 games) |
| Biggest achievement | Key part of 2024 WNBA Championship team |
| Why now? | Role reduced under new coach Chris DeMarco (17 games, 16.8 min) |
| Who might replace her? | Marine Fauthoux, French rookie on developmental deal |
| Fauthoux’s deadline | One more game before Liberty must sign or release her |
| Team’s message | Grateful, legacy secured, wishing her the best |
FAQ
What does "waived" mean in the WNBA?
Waived means the team cut the player and removed her from the roster. Other teams can claim her off waivers (pick up her contract) within a certain time. If no one claims her, she becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.
Why would a championship team cut a key player?
Sometimes it’s about fit, salary cap space, or playing time. The new coach (Chris DeMarco) clearly had a different vision for the rotation. The GM said this gives Betnijah a chance to find a team where she’ll play a bigger role.
What is a "developmental contract"?
It’s a short-term, low-cost deal for young or inexperienced players. They can play up to 12 games max. After that, the team must either sign them to a standard contract (full salary, full benefits) or let them go.
Can Betnijah Laney-Hamilton play for another team this season?
Yes! Once she clears waivers (usually 48 hours), she’s a free agent and can sign with any WNBA team that has a roster spot and wants her.
Will the Liberty retire her jersey someday?
That’s up to the franchise, but the GM said her "legacy is forever cemented" and she’ll "always be a member of the Liberty family." That’s very strong language — it suggests she’ll be honored in some way down the road.
Final Thought:
Sports are a business, but they’re also about people. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton gave everything to the Liberty — and helped make history. New York fans won’t forget her. And wherever she goes next? She’ll bring that same grit, toughness, and championship experience with her.
