Emma Meesseman is returning to the WNBA — and she’s joining the team that just won it all. The former Finals MVP has committed to the New York Liberty, according to ESPN, ending a multi-year absence from the league. The addition gives the defending champions even more firepower as they push for back-to-back titles.
Meesseman, who last played in the WNBA in 2022, will need to finalize her visa before officially suiting up. Now 31, the 6-foot-4 forward from Belgium had drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, before ultimately choosing New York.
The decision reunites her with Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello and assistant Olaf Lange, both of whom have coached Meesseman with the Belgian national team in past international competitions.
Meesseman Adds Championship Pedigree to a Loaded Roster
Meesseman is best known to WNBA fans for her role in helping the Washington Mystics win the 2019 championship. She averaged 19.3 points and 5.6 rebounds during those playoffs, coming off the bench to earn Finals MVP honors, the first time a reserve player had ever won the award.
After spending seven seasons in Washington, she joined the Chicago Sky in 2022, where she posted averages of 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Her efficiency, passing ability, and perimeter shooting made her one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
Beyond the WNBA, Meesseman has built a legacy as one of the top international players in the world. She led Belgium to back-to-back EuroBasket titles and was named MVP of the tournament in both 2023 and 2025. This summer, she averaged 19.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists for Belgium while guiding them to gold.
Her club career overseas has been equally impressive. Playing for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, Meesseman won multiple EuroLeague titles and earned three straight EuroLeague MVPs from 2023 to 2025. She’s also a two-time Olympic All-Star Five selection, having starred for Belgium in both Tokyo and Paris.
Her return to the WNBA now gives the Liberty a unique luxury — the ability to add a proven, championship-caliber player to a roster already packed with All-Stars.
The 💛💙 Queen returns to her throne!#EuroLeagueWomen x @EmmaMeesseman pic.twitter.com/iLakLTezdH
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) July 17, 2025
Liberty Poised to Make Another Title Run
The timing couldn’t be better for New York. The Liberty are fresh off their first WNBA championship and currently sit near the top of the standings once again. Jonquel Jones, who has missed much of the season due to an ankle injury, is expected to return this week.
With Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu all playing at a high level, Meesseman’s addition rounds out a group with title repeat aspirations. Few teams in WNBA history have managed to repeat as champions.
Known for her unselfish play and basketball IQ, Meesseman is expected to slot in seamlessly alongside New York’s existing stars. She brings another high-post facilitator to an offense that thrives on ball movement and spacing. Defensively, her ability to switch and communicate will be key during the playoffs, where versatility and execution often decide series.
The Liberty recently added Stephanie Talbot to fill their 12th roster spot. A move will be required to clear room for Meesseman once she completes the visa process. But those close to the team believe that’s a minor hurdle for a player of her caliber.
There’s no firm timetable yet for Meesseman’s debut, but once she arrives, the message is clear: the Liberty aren’t standing still. They’re looking to raise another banner, and she may help them get there.
