WNBA PREVIEW: New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Liberty open the 2026 WNBA season Friday at Barclays Center against the Connecticut Sun in a rematch of last season’s playoff rivals, though both teams enter with clean slates after finishing 2025 with losses. Connecticut (0-0) closed its 2025 campaign with an 88-72 defeat at home to the Atlanta Dream on Sept. 10, while New York (0-0) dropped a 79-73 decision at the Phoenix Mercury on Sept. 19. The Liberty and Sun each compiled 0-0 records during the offseason, making Friday’s contest the first official test for both rosters. New York will lean on its core from last season, including MVP candidate Breanna Stewart, as the Liberty look to build on a deep playoff run that ended in the semifinals. Connecticut, meanwhile, returns All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas and a veteran group that fell one win short of the WNBA Finals in 2024. The Sun also feature new additions after a busy free agency period, though depth charts remain fluid heading into the opener. Friday’s matchup marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the Eastern Conference foes. They will face off again at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena on June 8. After Friday, the Liberty hit the road for three straight games: at Washington on May 10, then at Portland for a three-game series May 11-14. Connecticut returns home for a Sunday tilt against Seattle on May 10 before a Wednesday clash with Las Vegas on May 15. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EDT at Barclays Center, where the Liberty posted a 16-4 home record last season. The Sun, known for their stingy defense, will aim to spoil the party in Brooklyn. Both teams are still finalizing rosters, but the game is expected to feature a playoff atmosphere as the WNBA tips off its 30th season.