Transforming a Franchise: Clara Wu Tsai’s Vision for the New York Liberty

Clara Wu Tsai, the majority owner of the New York Liberty, is orchestrating a remarkable transformation of a WNBA franchise that once seemed unwanted. Since acquiring the team in 2019, Wu Tsai has led the Liberty back to the Finals, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history and the landscape of women’s sports.

The Liberty, one of the WNBA’s original teams, faced significant challenges before Wu Tsai’s ownership. Previous owner James Dolan decided to sell the team in 2017, moving it out of New York and seeking new ownership. Wu Tsai and her husband, Joe, saw potential where others did not, investing in a franchise that had been overlooked. “We recognized it as a premium asset, much like owning a Picasso,” Wu Tsai remarked about the acquisition process.

Determined to revitalize the team, Wu Tsai quickly set her plans into motion. The first step was relocating the team back to New York City, where they began playing at Barclays Center, significantly closer to their fan base. From there, she focused on enhancing the team’s infrastructure, building a state-of-the-art locker room, and investing in player development. Over the years, she has assembled a roster filled with stars through strategic drafts, trades, and free agency, with standout player Breanna Stewart being a game-changer for the franchise.

“Signing her brought confidence to other players, allowing us to win and reach the Finals last year,” Wu Tsai explained. Now, as the top seed this season, the Liberty’s success is evident, drawing growing interest from fans. Attendance has skyrocketed from a mere two to three thousand at games to over twelve thousand, highlighting the increasing popularity of women’s sports.

Wu Tsai emphasizes inclusivity within the fan experience. “We aim to create a culture of belonging, where everyone feels welcome,” she stated. The Liberty games have become a summer highlight in New York City, offering entertainment beyond just basketball, including vibrant performances by the team’s dance squad and engaging mascots.

Balancing growth with accessibility remains a priority for Wu Tsai. “Attracting new fans is essential, but we must also honor our loyal supporters who have been with us through thick and thin,” she acknowledged. This season has seen a surge in demand for tickets, leading to a waitlist for courtside seats. However, Wu Tsai ensures that affordability remains a focus, announcing plans to open upper-level seating for just $25 per game.

As the WNBA continues to grow, the emergence of star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has contributed to increasing viewership, making the league more attractive to fans. Wu Tsai believes that these athletes bring excitement to the game, as their unique playing styles captivate audiences.

The impact of Wu Tsai’s leadership extends beyond the court. She is committed to advancing research on female athletes through the Human Performance Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative she launched three years ago. The Alliance aims to study peak performance in elite athletes, particularly focusing on the health and well-being of female athletes, a field often underrepresented in research.

“A major initiative is our female athlete program, which addresses critical gaps in health studies,” Wu Tsai said. With significant financial backing, her foundation has contributed over $200 million to this research, striving to improve health outcomes for women globally.

In addition to sports, Wu Tsai actively supports her Brooklyn community. The Liberty’s ownership team provided nearly $2.8 million in low-interest loans to local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic, focusing on those owned by underrepresented groups. Wu Tsai also spearheads initiatives like BK-XL, a tech accelerator for startups led by diverse founders, funding eighteen businesses over two summers.

Her philanthropic efforts include arts education programs that honor the legacy of Jean Michel Basquiat, reaching 4,000 students across 75 schools in New York City. “We want to create a sense of inclusion and belonging, both in the community and the arena,” she shared.

As the Liberty prepare for their quest for the franchise’s first WNBA title starting Thursday, Clara Wu Tsai’s leadership represents a new era for the team, showcasing the potential for success in women’s sports and beyond.