In a momentous celebration for New York City, Mayor Eric Adams awarded the Key to the City of New York to the New York Liberty to commemorate their first-ever Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship victory.

The ceremony took place on October 24, 2024, following a festive ticker tape parade that ran through the iconic Canyon of Heroes, culminating at City Hall.

“Keys to the City are reserved for those who know how to bring home the trophy — true champions — like the New York Liberty,” Mayor Adams declared proudly.

He acknowledged the team’s remarkable journey, stating, “Every step of the way, the New York Liberty made our city proud, from making franchise history to securing the best record in the league, to inspiring all New Yorkers that our city is full of champions. I am proud to deliver the highest honor I can offer — a Key to the City — to each member of the New York Liberty, who have created a lasting legacy for our city.”

Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the team.

“The Liberty are proud to bring the WNBA championship to New York, and we are honored to accept this Key to the City. We have been chasing this dream since 1997 and would not be here without this incredible team who showed grit and determination all season long, Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, and each and every Liberty legend who paved the way,” she said.

Clarke continued, “We take great pride in what the Liberty built during this historic season, and to all the Liberty fans celebrating across the city and around the world, we thank you. This championship is for you.”

During the ceremony, each of the Liberty’s 12 players received a Key to the City, including stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones. The honors extended to Head Coach Sandy Brondello, Assistant Coaches Roneeka Hodges, Olaf Lange, and Zach O’Brien, along with Board of Governors Joe and Clara Wu Tsai.

Founded in 1997, the New York Liberty was among the original franchises of the WNBA. Under the leadership of Head Coach Sandy Brondello, the team achieved a remarkable season with a record of 32 wins and only 8 losses, ultimately defeating the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA finals to clinch their historic championship.

In a show of citywide pride, various municipal buildings will be illuminated in seafoam tonight to honor the Liberty’s achievement. Notable locations include:

– Brooklyn Borough Hall
– The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building
– Queens Borough Hall
– Staten Island Borough Hall

The Key to the City of New York has a storied history, first awarded in 1702 as “Freedom of the City” by Mayor Phillip French. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a cherished symbol of civic recognition, reserved for individuals whose contributions to the public good are deemed exemplary. This award to the Liberty marks a new chapter in the city’s rich sports history, celebrating not only their victory but also the spirit of determination and excellence that defines New York.