The WNBA N.Y. Liberty are under new ownership led by Alibaba co-Founder Joe Tsai, and head coach Katie Smith said that there is now a "genuine enthusiasm surrounding the future" of the franchise, according to Doug Feinberg of the AP. That sentiment around the team is a "stark contrast to 12 months ago, when former Owner James Dolan announced he would try to sell the team but continue to manage it in the meantime." That left a lot of "uncertainty around the franchise," which has been "replaced with stability and optimism thanks to Tsai’s group." The Liberty still need to "find a practice facility and housing for players." But Liberty COO Keia Clarke said that "progress was being made on both fronts." The Liberty "will continue to play most of its home games at the Westchester County Center this year." However, unlike last season when the Liberty "didn’t announce they were playing games in Westchester until February, the franchise has had more time to sell tickets and has had a chance to build relationships with the community." The team "hopes that will increase attendance" after "just 1,886 fans on average attended the 15 Westchester dates" last season. Clarke said that the team is "looking at trying to change a few things this year at the County Center" (AP, 2/20).
