What Happened to Breanna Stewart? Why Did Breanna Stewart Leave Seattle?
by V Gomala | Updated May 31, 2023
What Happened to Breanna Stewart?
In February, it was announced that Breanna Stewart, a free-agent forward, has decided to part ways with the Storm and join the New York Liberty. This marks the end of a remarkable seven-year journey with Seattle, during which Stewart led the team to two championships and earned numerous individual accolades. While fans may feel a tinge of sadness, they should not feel betrayed, as Stewie fulfilled nearly every expectation of the devoted supporters.
The Storm's decision to select Stewart as the first overall pick in the 2016 draft injected new life into the franchise almost immediately. Joining forces with the esteemed veteran Sue Bird and promising guard Jewell Loyd, who had been the previous year's top draft pick, Stewart, widely regarded as one of the greatest women's college basketball players ever, formed a formidable trio that revitalized the team.
Why Did Breanna Stewart Leave Seattle?
In February, the window opened for free agents to sign with teams, and the specific details of Breanna Stewart's contract have not been disclosed yet. It's worth noting that had she remained with the Storm, she would have been eligible for a supermax salary of $234,936 per year. However, since she has chosen to join the New York Liberty, the maximum salary they can offer her is $202,154.
Breanna said, “It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for sure,” Stewart told ESPN’s Malika Andrews during an interview from Istanbul, where she’s playing with her Turkish team Fenerbahçe. “I decided to go to New York because I want to continue to be great and I want to go to the place where I can continue to help this league become better [and] to continue to raise the standard.”
Where is Breanna Stewart Now?
After an impressive six-year tenure with the Seattle Storm, which included two WNBA championships and an MVP title as a four-time All-Star, Breanna Stewart made her highly-anticipated return to Seattle on Tuesday. This marked her first appearance in a visiting uniform since signing as a free agent with the New York Liberty in February. Despite the change in team allegiance, Stewart received a heartwarming pregame reception from the opposing fans. In a thrilling contest, she led the Liberty to a hard-fought 86-78 victory, further showcasing her remarkable talent and ability to impact the game.
Breanna Stewart Height
Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), Breanna Stewart's basketball journey is marked by remarkable achievements and accolades. In high school, she garnered prestigious titles such as the National Gatorade Player of the Year, the Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, and a McDonald's All-American, showcasing her exceptional skills at an early stage.
Continuing her basketball prowess at the University of Connecticut, Stewart achieved unparalleled success. She led the Huskies to an extraordinary four consecutive national championships, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Her exceptional performances during the Final Four earned her the title of the most outstanding player a record-breaking four times. Stewart's outstanding contributions on the court also earned her the distinction of being a three-time consensus national player of the year.
Breanna Stewart Wife
Breanna Stewart's personal life is intertwined with her successful basketball career. She is married to Marta Xargay, a former WNBA player and current professional basketball player in the EuroLeague. Xargay is an accomplished athlete in her own right, having won three Eurobasket championships and earning silver medals in both the Olympics and World Cup with the Spain national basketball team.
The relationship between Stewart and Xargay blossomed while they were teammates at Dynamo Kursk. In May 2021, Stewart proposed to Xargay, and on July 6, 2021, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony held on the rooftop of Stewart's apartment building.
Breanna Stewart Baby
Breanna and Marta’s joy multiplied when, on August 9, 2021, their daughter, Ruby Mae Stewart-Xargay, was born via surrogacy. The arrival of their first child came shortly after Stewart's triumphant win of an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
Exciting news followed as the couple announced on May 14, 2023, through a joint statement on their respective Instagram profiles, that they were expecting their second child in October. The announcement further celebrated their growing family and marked another chapter in their journey together.
What Happened to Breanna Stewart - FAQs
In February, it was announced that Breanna Stewart, a free-agent forward, has decided to part ways with the Storm and join the New York Liberty. This marks the end of a remarkable seven-year journey with Seattle, during which Stewart led the team to two championships and earned numerous individual accolades.
After an impressive six-year tenure with the Seattle Storm, which included two WNBA championships and an MVP title as a four-time All-Star, Breanna Stewart made her highly-anticipated return to Seattle on Tuesday.