Clara Wu Tsai’s journey as the owner of the New York Liberty is nothing short of remarkable. Taking over a franchise that no one seemed to want, Wu Tsai has turned the Liberty into one of the most exciting teams in the WNBA. Her leadership is now on the brink of bringing the franchise its first championship. Her impact goes far beyond the court, as she revitalized a team and became a powerful advocate for women’s sports and community building.
The Struggling Franchise No One Wanted
The New York Liberty is one of the original WNBA franchises, but by 2017, the team’s previous owner, James Dolan, was ready to move on. The team had been relocated out of New York City, and interest appeared to be at an all-time low. However, Clara Wu Tsai saw potential, whereas others saw failure. In 2019, she and her husband, Joe Tsai, purchased the team, recognizing the value of the athletes and the location.
Wu Tsai vividly recalls those early days: “No one wanted to buy the team. We thought that the fundamentals were actually excellent. Not only are the best female basketball players in the world playing this league, but New York is the largest media market in the country.” From that point, Wu Tsai began a series of moves that would change the franchise’s trajectory forever.
Bringing the Liberty Back Home
One of Wu Tsai’s first decisions as owner was to bring the Liberty back to New York City, specifically to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a move that reinvigorated the fanbase. “The first thing we did was bring the team back to New York City to play at the Barclays Center, much closer to the fans,” she said. Along with the move, Wu Tsai made substantial investments in the team’s facilities, including building a state-of-the-art locker room and performance center.
Her commitment to improving the player experience didn’t stop there. Wu Tsai and her team strategically assembled a star roster through drafts, trades, and free agency. One of the pivotal moments came in 2023 when she traveled to Turkey to recruit Breanna Stewart, a superstar whose signing transformed the Liberty into a contender. “Signing her gave other players the confidence to sign with us,” Wu Tsai explained. This move has led the Liberty to become a number-one seed, and they are now eyeing their first championship.
Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Under Wu Tsai’s leadership, the Liberty has grown on the court and fostered a unique fan culture, making the team a summer staple in New York. Wu Tsai describes the fanbase as incredibly diverse and engaged. “Our Liberty fans are incredibly diverse and engaged. I definitely feel like we have the most inclusive fan base in professional sports today,” she told CNN in an interview.
The inclusive atmosphere extends beyond the basketball court. From fan favorites like the dance team and the Timeless Torches to the mascot Ellie the Elephant, the game experience is designed to entertain and make everyone feel welcome. Wu Tsai’s focus on creating an environment where all fans feel included is a testament to her vision of what sports should be—a space for community, joy, and belonging.
Balancing Growth and Accessibility
With the rising success of the Liberty comes an increase in demand. Wu Tsai acknowledges the challenges of maintaining affordability while meeting the team’s growing interest. “Attracting new fans is very important. It’s essential for the league to continue to grow,” she said. To address the surge in demand, Wu Tsai has implemented various pricing strategies, including raising ticket prices to reflect market forces and ensuring loyal fans are not left behind. “We decided to open up our upper bowl next year for every game, and the get-in price is going to be $25,” she added, emphasizing the importance of making games accessible for all fans.
Wu Tsai’s ability to balance business growth with inclusivity reflects her broader vision for the WNBA and women’s sports. As viewership for women’s sports continues to grow, Liberty’s resurgence serves as a blueprint for what’s possible in the world of women’s professional leagues.
Championing Women Beyond Sports
Clara Wu Tsai’s impact goes far beyond the basketball court. She passionately advocates for women’s health, philanthropy, and equality. Wu Tsai is leading groundbreaking research in female athletic performance through her Human Performance Alliance. The initiative seeks to uncover the biological principles that contribute to peak performance, focusing on women who have been underrepresented in health studies. “Less than 25% of all health studies are done on females even though we’re about 50% of the population,” Wu Tsai explained.
In addition to her work in health research, Wu Tsai has contributed over $200 million through her philanthropic foundation to advance research and support community initiatives. She has been instrumental in providing financial aid to Black-owned businesses in Brooklyn during the pandemic and launching BK-XL, a tech accelerator for underrepresented founders. Wu Tsai’s commitment to community upliftment further cements her role as a sports trailblazer.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Liberty
Wu Tsai remains focused on the future as the New York Liberty prepares for the WNBA Finals. She believes the team’s value could eventually reach a billion dollars, a testament to the franchise’s incredible growth and potential. But for Wu Tsai, success isn’t just about financial gain. It’s about creating a lasting legacy that combines excellence in sports with a commitment to equality, inclusion, and community.
Clara Wu Tsai’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when vision, determination, and heart come together. As she continues to make Her Story, the future of the New York Liberty—and women’s sports—has never looked brighter.