Liberty add two key reserves in free agency ahead of WNBA Draft

The New York Liberty bolstered their depth ahead of the 2026 season by signing two skilled reserves in free agency, agreeing to one-year deals with wing Rebecca Allen and French point guard Pauline Astier on Monday. Both additions are expected to play supporting roles as the franchise targets a second championship in three years.

Allen, a 6-foot-2 forward-guard, returns to New York after spending the first seven seasons of her WNBA career with the team from 2015 to 2022. The 32-year-old appeared in all 44 games last season with the Chicago Sky, making 17 starts, and averaged 5.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and a career-high 1.3 assists. With her defensive versatility and perimeter shooting, Allen has shot 35.5% from three in her career. Over the past three years, she has played for the Connecticut Sun, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago.

Astier, 24, arrives as a highly regarded European prospect and meets a crucial need at backup point guard. The 5-foot-11 guard is currently producing 10.2 points, 5.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game in EuroLeague competition with USK Praha. She has also shot efficiently, converting 54.8% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range, and 92.2% from the free-throw line across 14 games. Her deal is a rookie minimum contract, and the Liberty will retain her reserved rights after the 2026 season.

The signings come after a busy start to free agency in which New York added three-time All-Star Satou Sabally to a core that includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. Leonie Fiebich remains under contract, and the team has also issued qualifying offers to multiple players while bringing in several training camp prospects.

With general manager Jonathan Kolb prioritizing roster depth, the additions of Allen and Astier provide experienced defense, shooting, and playmaking off the bench as the Liberty prepare for another title push.

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