D’Tigress Star Elizabeth Balogun Joins New York Liberty on Development Deal

Posted : 20 August 2026

Nigeria’s D’Tigress forward Elizabeth Balogun has joined WNBA champions New York Liberty on a developmental player contract. The franchise confirmed the move on August 19 as it strengthens its roster during the closing stages of the 2026 season.

Balogun, 25, arrives in New York after previously attending training camp with expansion side Toronto Tempo. She signed a training camp deal with Toronto in April and averaged 9.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in two preseason appearances before being waived in May.

The Nigerian forward has also established herself as an important member of the national team. She played at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was part of Nigeria's squad at the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket tournament.

Balogun was particularly effective during Nigeria's 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign in France. She averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists across five games, while also recording an average of one steal per game.

Her international experience could prove valuable as Nigeria prepares for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany. The tournament is scheduled for September, with Nigeria among the 16 teams that secured qualification.

Balogun previously played college basketball at Georgia Tech, Louisville and Duke. She later moved into professional basketball in Europe and averaged 12.6 points, four rebounds and 1.2 assists in five EuroCup Women appearances for French club Charnay in 2025.

The Liberty's decision to add Balogun also provides extra depth on the wing. Her signing comes during a period when New York is managing roster issues, including the absence of German forward Satou Sabally, who recently withdrew from the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup because of her recovery from a concussion.

The developmental contract gives Balogun another opportunity to work within a WNBA environment. Developmental players can train regularly with the team and earn opportunities to appear in games, making the move an important step in her pursuit of a permanent WNBA roster spot.

New York will also be able to assess Balogun closely ahead of future roster decisions. The Liberty are among the leading teams in the WNBA this season, making the move a significant opportunity for the Nigerian international to gain experience at the highest level of women's club basketball.

Balogun will now look to make the most of her chance in New York while continuing to build momentum with D’Tigress. Her next major international challenge will come at the World Cup, where Nigeria will aim to compete against the world's leading women's basketball nations.

D’Tigress Star Elizabeth Balogun Joins New York Liberty on Development Deal

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