Rebekah Gardner’s WNBA Future Hinges on CBA Agreement
New York Liberty guard Rebekah Gardner finds her future with the team, and within the WNBA, uncertain as the league navigates stalled negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). While Gardner hopes to return to the Liberty next season, the situation remains unresolved as of February 26, 2026.
WNBA Season in Limbo
The start of the 2026 WNBA season, slated for May 8 with training camps opening April 19, is contingent upon reaching a new CBA by March 10. Key sticking points in the negotiations between the league and the players union include revenue sharing and player housing [1]. The entire offseason, including the recent expansion draft and free agency period, is currently paused until a resolution is reached.
Gardner’s Path Through Athletes Unlimited
Gardner is currently participating in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball in Nashville, hoping to gain clarity on her future once the league concludes next week [1]. She made her debut with Athletes Unlimited following a strong 2025 season with the New York Liberty [2].
Recent Performance and Career Overview
In 2025, Gardner appeared in 41 games for the Liberty, making five starts and averaging 12.2 minutes per game. She shot 50% from the field, contributing 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, with a season-high of 15 points against the Chicago Sky [2]. Her 2025 season marked a return after missing the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury sustained while playing overseas, and a foot injury that shortened her 2023 campaign with the Chicago Sky [2].
Gardner initially entered the league in 2022 with the Chicago Sky, earning a spot on the All-WNBA Rookie Team and the AP All-WNBA Rookie Team. She has also had an extensive international career, playing in Spain, Romania, Israel, and Turkey [2], [3]. She played college basketball at UCLA, where she was named to the All-Pac-12 Team in her senior year [3].
Liberty Acquisition
The New York Liberty acquired the player rights to Rebekah Gardner from the Chicago Sky on March 14, 2024, in exchange for the Liberty’s 2025 and 2026 Second Round draft picks .
Born July 9, 1990, Gardner currently plays the guard/forward position and is 6’1” tall [3].