Seattle Storm v New York Liberty - Source: Getty — Why New York Liberty suspended Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's contract? Real reason explored (Image source: Getty)

Why did New York Liberty suspend Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's contract? WNBA insider provides latest update

Modified May 15, 2025 09:15 GMT

The New York Liberty suspended one-time All-Star Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's contract after she suffered a non-WNBA injury in the offseason, women's basketball insider Khristina Williams reported on Wednesday.

According to Williams, the Liberty chose this option to "allow the team to remove her contract from the cap while keeping exclusive negotiation rights for the future."

The contract suspension will give the reigning WNBA champions some flexibility. Laney-Hamilton will earn $185,000 this season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, per Spotrac.

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According to Williams, despite the suspension of her WNBA contract, Laney-Hamilton's injury will be insured by Unrivaled.

"Because Laney-Hamilton was injured while playing in Unrivaled and can’t play in the WNBA this season, she qualifies for injury insurance through Unrivaled, which will cover her full WNBA salary," Williams tweeted.

Laney-Hamilton suffered a meniscus tear while playing for Laces BC in Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 professional women's basketball league co-founded by Liberty star Breanna Stewart. Laney-Hamilton had successful offseason surgery to repair an acute meniscus ailment in her knee.

She was key to New York's championship run last season, despite dealing with knee issues. In 28 regular-season games, she averaged 11.8 points and 4.2 rebounds. She delivered a 20-point performance in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals to help the Liberty tie the series at one game apiece.

"Our hearts break" - Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb on Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's injury

On Tuesday, the New York Liberty shared general manager Jonathan Kolb's statement regarding the status of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton in the upcoming season.

"Our hearts break for Betnijah that she will not be able to take the court this season," Kolb said in a statement. "Betnijah gave us everything last season en route to becoming a WNBA champion. We look forward to celebrating with B on Saturday as we raise the franchise's first championship banner.

"We will continue to ensure that she receives the best possible care throughout her rehabilitation process."

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Despite her recovery from injury, Laney-Hamilton is expected to be present during Liberty's banner-raising ceremony to celebrate last year's championship run.

The Liberty will open their 2025 WNBA season against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

About the author

Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and is currently a candidate for a master's degree in business administration.

Writing has been Kim's passion, and during college, he was editor-in-chief. He has also accumulated a diverse entrepreneurial background. He possesses a knack for research and was recently a professor.

Kim has been a Boston Celtics fan since 2007, through its many ups and downs. He was delighted when the Cs raised its 18th banner in 2024.

Beyond basketball, he also enjoys following the NFL, MLB and F1. When not immersed in the world of sports and when he is not editing or writing, Kim is likely searching for the perfect cup of joe.

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