Brooklyn’s own WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, have kicked their 2025 season. Here’s your guide to what’s ahead this year—what’s on the line, how to catch the games, kid-friendly bars streaming the games, Bklyn Library Liberty Cards and the latest about the Liberty’s beloved mascot, Ellie, including her recent birthday celebration!
2024 season recap
The New York Liberty’s 2024 season was a historic one, culminating in the team’s first-ever WNBA Championship. After 28 seasons, the Liberty secured their first title after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a five-game Finals series back in October.
Star players include Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Players Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu were even selected to play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris—the first-ever Liberty duo to represent the USA!
The Liberty reached new heights of fandom in 2024, not only because of the team’s victories, but also for their sensational mascot Ellie the Elephant, who became viral on social media for her dance moves, stylish looks, and all-around swagger.
Where to watch the games
The New York Liberty’s 2025 WNBA season is already off to an impressive start. Many have boldly predicted that the Liberty are poised to win another championship this season! Here’s where you can catch the games:
In person at Barclays Center
There’s nothing like the electric energy at the Liberty’s home court in the heart of Brooklyn. Tickets can start as low as $15, depending on the matchup and seating. Average ticket prices are around $35. Liberty also offers season ticket memberships: Full Season (22 games) with prices starting at $25/game, and Half Season (11 games), with prices starting at $30/game.
At local Brooklyn bars
This season, the Liberty Bar Network is making its debut, with bars across the city acting as official watch destinations for away games. Expect to cheer with other Libs fans and enjoy themed drink specials and giveaways! Below are Brooklyn bars participating. Note that some spots are kid-friendly, and others are 21+.
- Randolph Beer | DUMBO | Kids allowed on Sundays only
- Uncle Barry’s | Park Slope | 21+
- The Beer Garage | Park Slope | Kid-friendly
- Ginger’s | Park Slope | 21+
- Fulton Hall | Fort Greene | Kid-friendly
- Athena Keke’s | Opening soon! | Clinton Hill | Kid-friendly during the day
- Rounders | Greenpoint | Kid-friendly
- Singers | Bed-Stuy | Kid-friendly, but 21+ after 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays
- The Bush | Bushwick | 21+
- See the full list here, including more spots in Manhattan!
Ellie the Elephant
Ellie the Elephant is the Liberty’s fabulous mascot, who has become a viral sensation. The identity of the performer behind the Ellie costume is a mystery, but she is a real Brooklynite! Ellie, whose name pays homage to Ellis Island, is one of today’s hottest influencers and a fashion icon. She has nearly 200,000 TickTok followers, dances and twerks on the Barclays court during home games, and has even become a representative for brands like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. From halftime performances inspired by Beyoncé and Lil’ Kim to showing off various looks and designer handbags on the red carpet to gracing the cover of Time Out NY and the pages of Vogue, Ellie has become a celebrity in her own right. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok to stay up-to-date on all things Ellie—the dancing, the fashion, the fun!
During the New York Liberty’s game against the Connecticut Sun on June 1, mascot Ellie celebrated her 5th birthday in style with a custom pregame and halftime look by designer David Dalrymple, a special halftime performance with the Liberty’s Lil’ Torches dance team, plus a group of young dancers who participated in a recent Dance Clinic with Ellie, and numerous activities for fans throughout Barclays Center. Highlights included giveaways, a pre-game party on the Barclays plaza, a bookmobile the launch of Ellie-themed BPL library card, photo booths, and appearances by fellow mascots. Ellie’s signature “Herzey” jersey dress is now available for purchase in adult and kids’ sizes.
Limited edition library cards for Liberty’s youngest fans!
The Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating the Liberty’s 2024 WNBA Championship with a summer partnership that includes issuing 100,000 limited-edition library cards featuring Liberty themes including star players and Ellie the Elephant. Library card are available at all BPL branches starting Monday, June 2.
Kids can also choose summer reading books from an Ellie-approved reading list! Titles include Lola Joins the Team by Keka Novales, Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson, and Elephants Living Large by Jason Viola. Some of Ellie’s favorite books are about basketball and women in sports, plus friendship, empowerment, and community.
A new practice facility for the team coming to Greenpoint
The team is building an $80-million-dollar state-of-the-art practice facility, spanning 75,000 square-feet in Greenpoint. Projected to open in 2027, there will be a new locker room concept, indoor practice courts and an outdoor court, roof deck dining area, training rooms, and recovery and spa amenities. The Liberty are also committed to growing their Brooklyn Basketball program for young players, and this new facility will be able to host clinics and camps for the next generation of girls and boys. Read more here!
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Updated: June 2, 2025.
