This past weekend, the New York Liberty honored former player Tari Phillips by inducting her into the team’s Ring of Honor. The ceremony took place during halftime at Barclays Center and marked Phillips as the eighth member to receive this recognition.
Phillips played for the Liberty from 2000 to 2004, earning four WNBA All-Star selections and helping lead the team to two Eastern Conference titles and two Finals appearances in 2000 and 2002. In her first season with the Liberty, she was named the league’s first Most Improved Player and averaged 13.8 points and eight rebounds per game.
During her time with the team, Phillips set several records and made a lasting impact on basketball in New York. She joins an elite group of previous honorees: Kym Hampton, Vickie Johnson, Teresa Weatherspoon, Sue Wicks, Rebecca Lobo, Becky Hammon, and Crystal Robinson.
The induction event was part of Legends Weekend, which brought more than 20 former players back to New York City. The organization hosted events recognizing these athletes’ contributions. Former teammates Kym Hampton, Teresa Weatherspoon, Sue Wicks, and Crystal Robinson attended the ceremony in support of Phillips.
Fans participated in activities including a flower shop–themed pop-up in Union Square organized with American Express where they could present flowers to Liberty legends. Additional gifts were provided by partners such as AWAY luggage, Essie, Fenty Beauty, and Flamingo.
“Her name is all over our record books and a proof of the impact she left on New York hoops,” according to a statement from the team.
“It was a weekend of love and light as we welcomed back greatness and rich history showing our fans where it all began,” said a spokesperson for the Liberty.
Phillips now stands alongside other notable figures who have shaped the franchise’s legacy.
