New York, still seeking the franchise's first title, played in four WNBA Finals in the league's first six years but hasn't been back to the championship round since losing to Los Angeles in 2002.

WSJ: Ford eyeing title in return to WNBA with Liberty

Laimbeer's hiring has energized the fan base of a franchise that reached the WNBA Finals four times in the league's first six years, but has not been back since losing to Los Angeles in its last appearance in 2002.

WSJ: Laimbeer: Liberty will be fun to watch in 2013

During the WNBA Finals press conference, President Laurel Richie commented that the league intends to form strategic alliances with organizations that share their values, fan base, or potential fan base with the goal of building strong and sustainable attendance.

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