New York Liberty relocates to Barclays Center

October 18, 2019 JT Torenli

Residents expect traffic outside the Pacific Park middle school will be heavy because Barclays Center and a police and fire station are nearby. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

Barclays Center. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

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The New York Liberty, also the property of Nets owner Joe Tsai, are moving to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center beginning with the 2020 WNBA season.

Tsai acquired the Liberty in January before purchasing both the Barclays Center and the remaining interest in the Nets from Mikhail Prokhorov.

“We are committed to the Liberty’s long-term success in New York and relocating the team to Brooklyn will provide the franchise with tremendous opportunity,” said Nets and Barclays Center CEO David Levy.

“With many of our fans based in the five boroughs, moving to Barclays Center will make the Liberty more centrally located, allowing us to bring back the original fan base and attract new supporters. The venue change, along with the first pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, has positioned the team for an exciting future.”

The Liberty, which spent the past two seasons playing at the Westchester County Center, which seats just over 2,000 fans, will now have in excess of 10,000 seats available per game at Barclays.

“The New York Liberty are part of the foundation of the WNBA and have many of the most accomplished players and passionate fans since the inaugural season,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“Barclays Center is the perfect venue to host New York’s team and showcase world-class women’s basketball. This move is key to driving the league to the next level.”