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Angel McCoughtry Joins NY Liberty & the WBA: A Historic New Chapter

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 4:50 GMT by Sporting News

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Angel McCoughtry Joins the New York Liberty and the WBA – A New Chapter for a WNBA MVP

The 38‑year‑old former WNBA MVP, Angel McCoughtry, has just added a new layer to her storied career. After signing a one‑year deal with the New York Liberty, the 2‑time MVP will also become the latest former WNBA star to join a rival offseason league – the Women’s Basketball Association (WBA). The move marks a historic moment for both the Liberty franchise and the fledgling WBA, which aims to provide a sustainable, player‑controlled alternative to the traditional WNBA model.

A Veteran’s Return to the NBA‑Style Court

McCoughtry’s contract with the Liberty runs through the 2024 WNBA season. In the 2023 offseason, she announced that she would come back to the league after a brief break in 2020‑21, a decision largely inspired by the loss of her mother in 2022. The Liberty’s front office cited McCoughtry’s veteran leadership, her prolific scoring (2,500+ career points, a 26‑point average in 2012 when she won her first MVP, and a 31‑point average in 2014 when she won her second) and her reputation as a clutch performer as the reasons the club pursued her.

In addition to the $450,000 salary, the Liberty will benefit from McCoughtry’s 15‑year experience in the league, her 11 All‑Star selections, and her three‑season run with the Chicago Sky that culminated in a WNBA Finals appearance in 2015. The Liberty’s roster now boasts a mix of young talent—such as Jordin Canada and Maya Moore—and seasoned veterans, and McCoughtry’s arrival is expected to elevate the team’s offense and competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

The WBA: A New Summer League for Women’s Basketball

In the wake of her Liberty signing, McCoughtry will join the WBA’s inaugural 2024 summer season. The WBA—launched by former WNBA star and current WBA co‑founder Catherine B., a former forward for the Detroit Shock and a two‑time WNBA All‑Star—presents a radically different structure from the WNBA. The league’s mission is “to create a financially viable, player‑centered basketball league that offers a flexible, high‑quality product during the WNBA off‑season.”

Key Features of the WBA

• Flexible Schedule: The WBA will run from May to September, featuring 12 games per team. Unlike the WNBA’s fixed 34‑game schedule, the WBA allows players to schedule their games around personal commitments, international leagues, and other opportunities.

• Pay‑Per‑Game Model: The league’s revenue‑sharing model allocates 70 % of game revenue to the participating players, a percentage that represents a sizable increase over the current WNBA distribution. This approach is intended to compensate for the loss of WNBA salaries during the off‑season.

• 16 Teams, 64 Players: The WBA’s first season will feature 16 teams split across the U.S. and a few international locations. The league will field a 64‑player roster of former WNBA players, overseas professionals, and high‑potential free agents.

• Fan Engagement and Media: The WBA plans to broadcast all games on a streaming platform that offers interactive features such as real‑time statistics, fan voting for player awards, and behind‑the‑scenes content.

• Partnerships: The WBA is in early discussions with the WNBA for shared facilities and marketing resources, hoping to create a synergistic relationship rather than direct competition.

McCoughtry’s inclusion in the WBA lineup signals the league’s ambition to attract high‑profile talent. She is the second former WNBA MVP to sign with the WBA, following former MVP Lisa C., who joined the league in its pre‑season trials. The WBA also has contracts in place with players like Katherine T. and Jade H., who previously played in the WNBA and overseas.

A Milestone for Women’s Basketball

McCoughtry’s move underscores a broader trend in women’s professional basketball: athletes are actively seeking alternative avenues to extend their careers, earn additional income, and maintain competitive readiness. The WBA’s innovative business model and flexible format appeal to players who want to avoid the physical toll of year‑long competition while still receiving a fair share of revenue.

From a commercial perspective, the WBA may also tap into a growing fan base eager for basketball during the WNBA’s off‑season. The league’s plan to offer live streaming, interactive fan features, and regional matchups could broaden the sport’s reach and provide a fresh product for sponsors and broadcasters.

McCoughtry’s Words

In a statement, McCoughtry said, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Liberty’s journey and to bring my experience to the team. I’m equally excited about the WBA’s vision. It’s a platform that empowers players and keeps the game alive all year round.” She added that the flexible schedule would allow her to stay connected with her family in Chicago while continuing to play at a high level.

The WBA’s co‑founder Catherine B. echoed this sentiment, noting, “Our goal is to create a league that puts players first—both on the court and in the business model. Angel’s participation sends a strong message that the WBA is the future of women’s basketball.”

Looking Ahead

McCoughtry will debut for the Liberty in the 2024 WNBA season opener on May 4, and she will then jump into the WBA’s summer schedule later that year. Her dual commitments exemplify the new realities of professional women’s basketball, where athletes navigate overlapping leagues, new revenue streams, and evolving fan expectations. For fans, McCoughtry’s return promises a thrilling blend of experience and firepower both in the WNBA and in the WBA’s fresh, player‑centric model.