Courtney Vandersloot’s departure from the New York Liberty wasn’t due to any tension—it was simply time for a new chapter.
After spending 12 seasons with the Chicago Sky, Vandersloot played two years with the Liberty, helping them reach the WNBA Finals both seasons and secure their first-ever championship in 2024. Despite contributing to the team’s success, her role shifted significantly, especially during the playoffs when she was moved to the bench. Following the season, she entered free agency and ultimately chose to return to Chicago.
“We decided at the end that it was time for me to move on,” Vandersloot shared during an Unrivaled press conference on Thursday. “We had conversations, and I was looking for something that they couldn’t give me. There’s nothing more to it. It was a great relationship. We still have a good relationship. We didn’t leave on bad terms.”
Throughout the 2024 season, Vandersloot averaged career lows in minutes (22.3 per game) and points (6.4), while her 4.8 assists per game marked her lowest output since 2016. Her playing time decreased further in the playoffs as head coach Sandy Brondello adjusted the rotations to maintain a steady ball handler on the court.
“Just having the discussion, I had to trust Sloot wasn’t going to think about [coming off the bench],” Brondello said at the time. “It was going to help us with our best lineups at all times. She wants to win. And that shows a lot about her mentality—whatever’s best for the team is best for her.”
While the decision for Vandersloot to move on was mutual, she emphasized there were no hard feelings. She wasn’t seeking guarantees on playing time or a starting role but rather the best situation for herself.
“In terms of promises, that’s not a thing I was looking for in free agency,” she said. “I was looking for an opportunity that worked out for me. My time in New York was special…I have really great relationships with everyone there. It was just a personal decision for me.”
Ultimately, her evolving role played a part in her decision to seek a different situation.
“Obviously my role changed a lot, and I was looking to be in a little bit different situation,” she admitted. “But I came there to win a championship with the players that I did, and we were able to accomplish that. So going into this free agency, I was just looking to make a more personal decision.”
