WNBA Interim President Mark Tatum announced on Wednesday the unanimous approval of the purchase of the New York Liberty to Joe Tsai. The news broke via social media by Doug Feinberg.
And now the @nyliberty sale is official. Smartly they are playing a game at Barclays this summer st some point
— Doug Feinberg (@DougFeinberg) January 23, 2019
And we couldn't be more thankful.
"We are fortunate to welcome Joe Tsai to the WNBA family at a pivotal time for our league," said Tatum per a release. "As active participants in the New York community, Joe and his team are very well-positioned to take the Liberty to exciting new heights."
Tsai is a 49-percent minority owner of the Brooklyn Mets and also owns the San Diego Seals, an expansion team within the National Lacrosse League. Through his foundation, he and his family have invested in countless New York institutions and charitable foundations.
Yes!!!!! Hopefully Joe Tsai will treat this franchise with the dignity and respect these women deserve.
???????????????????? https://t.co/mfd98lpEew— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 23, 2019
"It is an honor and a privilege to join the Liberty and WNBA families," said Tsai per a release. "As one of New York's proudest franchises, the Liberty has played a vital role in New York City over the past 22 years. The Liberty and WNBA exemplify what it means to compete at the highest level, serve as role models in the local community, and bring greater opportunities to female athletes. Our goal is to continue this important work and help bring the WNBA into its next phase of growth."
At this time, the 2019 season is still scheduled to be played at Westchester County Center. The Liberty had moved to the facility before the start of the 2018 season after years at Madison Square Garden, for reasons that still don't make sense. They are, however, scheduled to play at the Barclays Center at some point during the upcoming season, but that date is yet to be determined.
The future of the Liberty had been a question mark for some time since the previous owner, James Dolan, made controversial moves and eventually announced his intent to sell the franchise. Many would agree that this new owner brings hope, a new passion, and hopefully plenty of fresh resources to breathe new life into one of the WNBA's original eight franchises.
