Soaring Above the Odds: How Clara Wu Tsai Transformed the New York Liberty into a WNBA Powerhouse
As a news reporter, I had the privilege of speaking with Clara Wu Tsai, the majority owner of the New York Liberty and witnessing firsthand the remarkable turnaround she has orchestrated for this once-struggling franchise. What started as a team “no one wanted” has become one of the WNBA’s most promising and captivating franchises.
When Wu Tsai and her husband, Joe Tsai, acquired the Liberty in 2019, the team was in a precarious position. Previously owned by James Dolan, the franchise had been moved out of New York City, and its future seemed uncertain. But Wu Tsai saw the potential in this “premium asset” and seized the opportunity, determined to transform the Liberty into a true contender.
“We decided to take a look at it seriously, and we decided that it was a premium asset that had high scarcity value and that it was a little bit like owning a Picasso,” Wu Tsai said. “If a Picasso comes along and you love it, it’s scarce. We looked at it the same way.”
True to her word, Wu Tsai wasted no time making her mark on the franchise. The first order of business was to bring the team back to New York City, where they would play at the Barclays Center, much closer to their loyal fan base. From there, Wu Tsai began to invest heavily in the team, building a state-of-the-art locker room and bolstering the performance team.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Through savvy drafting, strategic trades, and the signing of superstar Breanna Stewart, the Liberty has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. This year, they enter the Finals as the number one seed, a testament to their passionate owner’s hard work and vision.
“Signing her gave other players the confidence to sign with us, and after she came and brought along some other stars, it allowed us to start to win. We made it to the Finals last year. This year, we’re the number one seed,” Wu Tsai proudly stated.
The transformation of the Liberty has not gone unnoticed. Attendance at Liberty games has skyrocketed, with in-game crowds regularly exceeding 12,000 fans. Wu Tsai attributes this surge in popularity to the team’s inclusive and engaging fan experience, which extends far beyond the action on the court.
“Our Liberty fans are incredibly diverse and engaged. When I look at our fan base, I think everyone comes humbly. The amount of engagement fans have with the players on the court and with all of the other entertainment we have going on is something that I’ve never felt before,” Wu Tsai told us.
From the dynamic dance team, the Timeless Torches, to the charismatic mascot, Ellie the Elephant, the Liberty has created a truly immersive and captivating game-day experience. Wu Tsai’s vision for the franchise extends beyond simply winning championships; it’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging that resonates with fans of all backgrounds.
As the Liberty prepares to compete for their first WNBA title, Wu Tsai’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court. Through her philanthropic foundation, she has donated more than $200 million to advance groundbreaking research on female athlete health and performance, flipping the script on how we study and understand women’s unique needs.
“Almost everything we know about human health comes from studying disease, so we created this Alliance to change that approach, and we study peak performance in elite athletes,” Wu Tsai explained.
By investing in the well-being of female athletes, Wu Tsai is not only supporting the Liberty and the WNBA but also making a lasting impact on the world of sports and beyond. Her commitment to inclusion, community, and the advancement of women’s health is a testament to her passion and vision for the Liberty and the WNBA.
As the Liberty prepares to take the court for the WNBA Finals, the stage is set for a potentially historic moment in the franchise’s storied history. With Clara Wu Tsai at the helm, the team’s transformation from an afterthought to a powerhouse is a remarkable achievement that could cement Liberty’s place as a true force in women’s basketball.