The New York Liberty officially signed former WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman on Friday in a major boost to their repeat hopes. Meesseman, who has not played in the WNBA since 2022, decided to join the Liberty last month, but had to wait for her visa application to be processed.

Meesseman, a double-double threat and great outside shooter, was a no-brainer signing, and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was open about her team’s pursuit of her. New York securing her addition elevated their championship odds, particularly given the fact that Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have both battled injuries this season.

Forward Emma Meesseman signed a contract with the New York Liberty on Friday morning, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed for Meesseman, who will debut Friday night as the Liberty (17-9) bid to snap a season-worst three-game skid against the Connecticut Sun (4-21) in Uncasville,