Marine Johannès Re-Signs With Novel York Liberty for Fifth WNBA Season

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The New York Liberty have secured one of the WNBA’s most electrifying playmakers for another season. French guard Marine Johannès has signed a new contract with the franchise, ensuring she will return for her fifth WNBA campaign in 2026, the team confirmed Tuesday. The deal keeps Johannès—nicknamed “The Wizard” for her dazzling ball-handling—at the heart of New York’s backcourt as the Liberty push for a championship.

What the Signing Means for New York

Johannès, 31, brings a rare blend of creativity and clutch shooting to the Liberty’s lineup. In the 2023 season, she led the WNBA in three-point percentage (43.7%) among players with 100-plus attempts, a statistic that underscores her value as a floor spacer and late-game weapon. Her career averages of 7.4 points and 2.1 assists per game may not jump off the page, but her ability to create scoring opportunities out of thin air—often with no-look passes or step-back threes—makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

“Marine’s impact goes beyond the box score,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello told reporters in a conference call last month. “She changes the geometry of the court. Defenses have to account for her everywhere, and that opens things up for our stars like Sabrina [Ionescu] and Breanna [Stewart].”

A Career Built on International Success

Born in Lisieux, France, Johannès has been a fixture in European basketball since her teenage years. She began her professional career with USO Mondeville in 2011, winning back-to-back U17 French League titles in 2011 and 2012. After stints with Bourges and ASVEL, she made her WNBA debut with the Liberty in 2019, though her time in New York has been punctuated by overseas commitments. In 2023, she was named MVP of the FIBA EuroCup Women’s Finals after leading her team to the championship—a performance that earned her a spot on France’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Her international resume is equally impressive. Johannès has represented France in two Olympic Games (2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo) and three EuroBasket tournaments, winning bronze medals in 2019 and 2021. At 5-foot-10, she defies traditional positional labels, playing as both a shooting guard and point guard with equal aplomb.

Contract Details and Roster Implications

The Liberty have not disclosed the financial terms of Johannès’ new deal, but league sources indicate it is a one-year contract, aligning with WNBA standards for veteran players. The signing comes as New York looks to bolster its depth ahead of training camp, which opens next month. With Johannès locked in, the Liberty now have 14 players under contract for 2026, including stars like Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney.

“We’re thrilled to have Marine back,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. “Her experience, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments are invaluable as we build toward another championship run.”

What’s Next for Johannès and the Liberty

Johannès will split her time between the WNBA and her Turkish club, Galatasaray, where she currently plays in the EuroLeague Women. Her dual commitments mean she may miss a handful of Liberty games early in the 2026 season, but her availability is expected to increase as the playoffs approach. New York, which finished the 2025 regular season with a 22-12 record, will look to Johannès to provide late-game scoring and playmaking as they chase their first WNBA title since 2023.

The Liberty’s season opener is scheduled for May 16, 2026, against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center. Fans can expect Johannès to be a central figure in New York’s offense, particularly in close games where her ability to create off the dribble could be the difference-maker.

Key Takeaways

• Contract secured: Marine Johannès has signed a new one-year deal with the New York Liberty, marking her fifth WNBA season with the franchise.
• Elite shooter: Johannès led the WNBA in three-point percentage (43.7%) in 2023 among players with 100-plus attempts.
• International pedigree: A two-time Olympian (2016, 2020) and three-time EuroBasket medalist with France, she also won the 2023 FIBA EuroCup Women’s Finals MVP.
• Dual commitments: Johannès will balance her WNBA duties with Galatasaray in Turkey’s EuroLeague Women.
• Liberty’s title hopes: New York enters 2026 as a championship contender, with Johannès expected to play a key role in late-game situations.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on Marine Johannès and the New York Liberty, follow the team’s social media channels and visit their official website. The Liberty’s 2026 schedule will be released in early May, with tickets available through Barclays Center’s box office.

What do you think of Johannès’ return to New York? Will the Liberty finally bring home a championship in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #LibertyNation.