Liberty waives Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: Next steps for New York

The New York Liberty officially released Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, as announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The team utilized the vacant roster spot to sign Marine Fauthoux, who was on a developmental contract, to a multi-year deal. Laney-Hamilton, who had been a healthy scratch since July 12, was a surprising target for release, especially coming just four days after the August 2 trade deadline.

At 33 years old, Laney-Hamilton had been with the Liberty since 2021 and contributed significantly to the team's success in winning the 2024 WNBA championship. The 6-foot guard played in 126 regular-season games for New York, including 108 starts, averaging 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Despite sidelining the previous year due to surgery on her left knee, she was prepared for a comeback in 2026. However, the player found herself coming off the bench under new head coach Chris DeMarco, averaging less than 17 minutes per game.

Her last game was on July 12, where she was ejected for throwing a shoe that struck Tempo guard Marina Mabrey, and she did not participate in any games after that incident. Liberty's General Manager, Jonathan Kolb, expressed gratitude towards Laney-Hamilton, stating that this decision allows her to "pursue a larger basketball role" elsewhere. He emphasized her instrumental role in the team's success since 2021 and acknowledged her professionalism and leadership.

"We’re incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day," Kolb stated. He described the decision as "incredibly difficult" but believed it supports Laney-Hamilton's opportunity for advancement in her basketball career. Her legacy as a key contributor to the Liberty's first championship is recognized as permanently sealed.

Laney-Hamilton stands to be an appealing option for teams seeking depth before the playoffs. With a guaranteed contract worth $400,000 from the Liberty, she will receive this compensation regardless of her next step. If she clears waivers, she will enter free agency and could sign with any team that has sufficient cap space or an injury exemption.

Potential landing spots for Laney-Hamilton include the Indiana Fever, as the team is currently ranked 12th in defense, allowing over 90 points per game. The Fever would benefit from Laney-Hamilton's defensive skills, highlighted by her All-Defensive Team selections. With a roster spot available due to Damiris Dantas' season-ending injury, the Fever may consider her a valuable addition.