What's happened
The New York Liberty have appointed Chris DeMarco as their new head coach, effective January 1, 2026. DeMarco, with 13 years at Golden State and NBA championship experience, will lead a team aiming to build on recent success. The team’s roster remains largely free agent-dependent, with key players expected to return after a new collective bargaining agreement.
What's behind the headline?
DeMarco’s NBA background signals a strategic shift for the Liberty, emphasizing a culture of winning and modern coaching techniques. His experience with Golden State’s championship teams suggests he will prioritize player development and innovative systems. The timing aligns with the league’s broader trend of hiring NBA-experienced coaches, which could boost the team’s competitiveness. However, the team’s roster remains uncertain due to free agency, and success will depend on player retention and integration of DeMarco’s systems. This move indicates the Liberty’s intent to leverage NBA expertise to elevate their standing in the league, potentially setting a new standard for coaching hires in the WNBA.
What the papers say
AP News reports DeMarco’s appointment as Liberty head coach, highlighting his 13-year tenure with the Warriors and four NBA championships. The NY Post emphasizes the league-wide trend of NBA-background coaches in the WNBA and notes the team’s roster uncertainty due to free agency. Both sources underline the strategic importance of this hire for the Liberty’s future performance and culture.
How we got here
DeMarco has spent 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to four NBA championships in various roles including player development and assistant coach. His appointment follows a league-wide trend of NBA-experienced coaches joining the WNBA, reflecting a focus on strategic and cultural development. The Liberty recently parted ways with their previous coach after a playoff exit, seeking to elevate their performance with DeMarco’s modern approach.
Go deeper
- What specific strategies might DeMarco bring from the NBA?
- How will the team handle roster changes with free agency?
- What does this hiring mean for the future of the Liberty?
More on these topics
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The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco. The Warriors compete in the National Basketball Association, as a member of the league's Western Conference Pacific Division.
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The New York Liberty is an American professional basketball team based in the New York metropolitan area, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association.