Q: What does it mean for the Liberty having a rival so close to New York?
Weatherspoon: I already know this is going to be considered a rivalry, simply because it's in the back yard of New York. But when you look at what the University of Connecticut women’s team has done with their fan base, this is going to be a great place to play basketball.

Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun

Q: What are your thoughts on returning to Connecticut as a professional player?
Sales: I think it’s just a blessing that I get to play back here in Connecticut. Being away for so many years, I realize what a great experience I did have here. The fans were great in Orlando, but these fans are extremely proud of women’s basketball and they show so much support. I’m just glad to be home and glad to be able to experience the UConn fans again.

Q: What kind of support are you expecting?
Sales: We definitely are looking forward to them coming and watching us play. There are going to be a lot of former UConn players that will come through here. The fans will be able to come and see some of those players come back and play in a professional setting. And a lot of players that are at UConn now will play in this league as well.

Rebecca Lobo, Houston Comets

Q: What do you think it means to these fans to have a professional team?
Lobo: For the fans, in a lot of ways they are welcoming their daughters and granddaughters back home. That’s how they treat the women who play at UConn, like a member of their family. So, in some ways, it’s like the kids you have who move away because of their jobs, but now are coming back home.

Swin Cash, Detroit Shock

Q: What are your thoughts on Connecticut having a WNBA team?
Cash: I think it’s very exciting for the entire state. I think Connecticut is a well-deserving place for a WNBA team. The fan support is great, the facility is first-class, and I think the team they are brining in is the right fit.

Sue Bird, Seattle Storm

Q: What do you think it means to these fans to have a professional team?
Bird: It’s rewarding. They’ve shown their support for UConn basketball for so many years and I think … they had a taste of professional basketball with the ABL team, but I think the WNBA is here to stay and it’s great that these fans will have something to cheer in the summer.

Q: What will it mean to you coming here to play a pro game?
Bird: It’s going to be great. It was great for me to go back to New York last year. It’s another game I can circle on my calendar, where my friends and family don’t have to visit me in Seattle. They can see me in their own back yard.

Tamika Williams, Minnesota Lynx

Q: Are you looking forward to playing a WNBA game in this state?
Williams: I already talked to Nykesha about playing against her in this arena. I can’t wait. They hold all kinds of events here; the night before it might be a wrestling match or ice skating. Just to come back home and, even though I’ll be on an opposing team, when I score they’ll probably cheer for me as loud as for Nykesha. It’s going to be an amazing feeling.

Q: What kind of experience will this be like for a player who didn’t play for or against UConn?
Williams: I think a lot of people in the league who didn’t get the opportunity to play in front of a crazy, sold-out crowd are going to see what Connecticut can really bring to the table.

Kara Wolters, Sacramento Monarchs

Q: What do you think this means for fans of UConn basketball?
Wolters: I think it means the world to them. They have proven that they are the best fans in the world. They have been waiting patiently, and finally Connecticut has gotten the team they deserve. It’s exciting for them. I’m thinking, hopefully a trade (laughing).