Liberty release struggling Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to end New York tenure

Liberty release struggling Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to end New York tenure

Liberty fan favorite Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s time in Brooklyn has come to an unceremonious end.

After racking up eight consecutive healthy scratches and four days after the trade deadline, the Liberty released Laney-Hamilton, the team announced Thursday. 

The move opens up a roster spot, which is expected to be filled by French guard Marine Fauthoux, whom New York intends to sign to a multiyear deal, a source told The Post.

Laney-Hamilton, a former All-Star and starter on the 2024 title team, struggled to establish herself this season after missing all of last year because of knee surgery.

She hadn’t played since the team’s July 12 loss when she was ejected after throwing a shoe.

Laney-Hamilton signed a one-year, $400,000 contract in April, began the season in a starting role, but entered Monday having appeared in just 17 of the team’s 30 games.

New York Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) drives around Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner (24) during the second half at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

In a statement, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said the decision to part ways with Laney-Hamilton was “incredibly difficult.”

“We believe this will give Betnijah the best opportunity to pursue a larger basketball role,” he said. “We wish her nothing but success moving forward, and she’ll always be a member of the Liberty family. As a key contributor to the first championship in franchise history, Betnijah’s legacy with the Liberty is forever cemented.”


Betnijah Laney-Hamilton warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Wings.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton of the New York Liberty warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Wings on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York Post

Laney-Hamilton was the Liberty’s second-longest-tenured player, having joined the team in 2021. 

“We want to thank Betnijah for everything she has given to this organization,” Kolb said in a statement. “She has been an instrumental part of our success since 2021 and has made a lasting impact on our team, both on and off the court. We’re incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day.”

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