As the saying goes, "the rich get richer." And the New York Liberty, sensing a chance at snagging back-to-back WNBA championships, is about to land the top free agent on the midseason market.
Belguim forward Emma Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP, is poised to return to The W as the Liberty's latest addition. Once her visa is approved, the former Fenerbahce star will suit up in North America for the first time since 2022 -- and will seek her second title, following success with the Washington Mystics in 2019.
MORE: Breanna Stewart fires off WNBA warning as Liberty move for Emma Meesseman
Meesseman, who also considered joining the Minnesota Lynx or the Phoenix Mercury, folds neatly into the Liberty's available cap space -- a testament to New York's careful financial management under general manager Jonathan Kolb.
At 16-6, the Liberty still own the WNBA's second-best record after defeating the Indiana Fever, 98-84, on Tuesday night -- and Meesseman's imminent arrival left Fever head coach Stephanie White in shock, as she tries to get her Caitlin Clark-less team back toward the top of the standings.
“Oh geez,” White said when asked for her reaction to Meesseman's free-agent decision. “Emma’s been an incredible player in our league. She hasn’t been in the league for a little while but she’s been an incredible leader and player abroad. She adds another dimension. You’re talking about an already dangerous team that adds one of the best players in the world.”
The Liberty continue an eight-game homestand by welcoming the 15-8 Mercury to Barclays Center on Friday night for what should be a highly-entertaining showdown between two of the WNBA's top three teams.
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