At Liberty, Chris DeMarco wants to give players a voice

Chris DeMarco held his first press conference as coach of Liberty WNBAa meeting that many players from the New York franchise wanted to attend, starting with that Sabrina Ionescu. The leader was also one of the first people contacted by the new coach to discuss the direction of the franchise, even though her contract expired at the end of the 2025 season.

“We talked about how we wanted to work together and I always thought that teams led by their players are more successful”, so assures Chris DeMarco. “I can’t be the only one to say, ‘Hey, we’re not playing hard enough.’ Players also need to feel responsible. That’s something we hit on right away. »

If Chris DeMarco is going to have his first experience as a head coach in the WNBA, he has experience. He has been an assistant at the Warriors since 2012. Therefore, he witnessed the emergence of a dynasty led by Stephen Curry, and today he wants to reproduce this model at Liberty, with a group in which the players will have their say.

Looking for the right people

“It can’t just be my voice”he insists. “We all have to be on the same page and everyone in my staff will have their say. I’m intense, but what we’re trying to build is a player-led team.”

For now, Chris DeMarco has not yet formed his technical staff. However, he already has a few names in mind, from the Warriors or the Bahamas national team, which he coached between 2019 and 2025.

And Sandy Brondel’s successor doesn’t hold back: “We are looking for the right people, those who will fit into our culture and what we want to build. This is a process that will take time.”

Last Dance with the Warriors in Brooklyn

Chris DeMarco, however, will not fully assume his duties until next January. Until then, he continues to assume his role on Steve Kerr’s staff while using his free time to learn more about the Liberty and WNBA history in general.

“In my spare time, I took the time to immerse myself in this adventure and probably ordered all the books that talk about freedom”says New York’s new coach. “I’ve always been a fan. Now I have to change my perspective and watch them as a coach. So there’s a lot to review and a lot to learn about the history of the WNBA.”

Coincidentally with the calendar, Chris DeMarco’s final game on the Warriors bench will be Dec. 29 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, his future venue, which also hosts the Liberty games.

“Obviously, this is the best opportunity in the WNBA.”says Chris DeMarco. “It’s a championship franchise, and that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. That’s why I’m here.”