In a major blow to the New York Liberty's WNBA championship defense, the team announced Wednesday veteran guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will be sidelined for five-to-six months after undergoing knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear.

New York guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton had surgery on her left knee to repair an acute meniscus injury earlier this month, the Liberty announced Monday. Laney-Hamilton is expected to be sidelined for five-to-six months.

The Liberty’s championship core took a big hit just months before the team’s 2025 title defense was about to start. New York forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton underwent surgery on her left knee to repair an acute meniscus tear earlier this month, the Liberty announced Monday,