WHITE PLAINS – The WNBA's New York Liberty will be leaving the Westchester County Center next year for a new home at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

The Liberty played home its games at the county center for the past two seasons dating back to 2018. The franchise, formed in 1997, moved from the much-larger Madison Square Garden.

The transition came amid uncertainty for the team, which was put up for sale by former owner James Dolan as it moved from MSG, the 20,000-seat arena in the heart of Manhattan called "The World's Greatest Arena" to a county government-owned facility on the outskirts of White Plains that has a seating capacity of more than 2,000.

The county center is home to the Westchester Knicks, the D-league affiliate of the NBA's New York Knicks.

The Liberty will play all their home games next season at Barclays, home to the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, team executives told The Associated Press. The building was recently purchased by Liberty owner Joe Tsai, who also owns the Nets.

"We are committed to the Liberty's long-term success in New York and relocating the team to Brooklyn will provide the franchise with tremendous opportunity," said David Levy, CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, as well as president of J Tsai Sports, according to the Associated Press.

"With many of our fans based in the five boroughs, moving to Barclays Center will make the Liberty more centrally located, allowing us to bring back the original fan base and attract new supporters. The venue change, along with the first pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, has positioned the team for an exciting future."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said in a statement that the move was expected due to Tsai's ownership of the franchise, Nets and Barclays Center.

"Consolidating his holdings into one location makes good business sense," Latimer said. "For the past two years Westchester County has welcomed hosting the Liberty at the County Center as they expanded their reach into the suburban market. As they relocate into the larger, dynamic urban market of Brooklyn, we wish the team much success for future seasons."

Dolan was looking to sell the Liberty to save money when the move to the county center was announced in February 2018. Playing at Madison Square Garden - the Liberty's home for most of the time since the franchise was formed in 1997 - cost about 20 times more than playing in Westchester.

The contract with Westchester was for one year ending October 2018, with an option for an additional, year. The contract had the team pay Westchester a facility fee of $7,315 per game, plus a utility charge of $525. Westchester could charge a facility fee on ticket sales and keep a portion of concessions, according to the contract.

The group involving Tsai bought the Liberty in January of this year, with terms not disclosed.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said many times since starting her job in July that the Liberty should play in a venue befitting a WNBA franchise.

"The New York Liberty are part of the foundation of the W and have many of the most accomplished players and passionate fans since the inaugural season," she said. "Barclays Center is the perfect venue to host New York's team and showcase world-class women's basketball. This move is key to driving the league to the next level."

Levy said the ownership group did look at a few other venues, but it was apparent Barclays was the right place.

"It came to be smart to bring it to Barclays Center," Levy said. "Where it's located, the community it's in. There are additional opportunities and there's the infrastructure in place."

Barclays will open the lower bowl for most games, creating a capacity of more than 8,000, with the option to expand. New York played one regular-season game against Seattle in Barclays this past season and it drew well with a crowd of 7,715.

"I think it's really exciting times for the Liberty," said Keia Clarke, the Liberty's chief operating officer. "I've been with the team for some time - this being my ninth season - and there is really a lot of positive change. It's an increased opportunity for us. Playing in a professional caliber arena is important to our fans. We certainly aim to recreate that kind of atmosphere (from the Garden) as we move forward."

The Liberty players were living in Brooklyn last year, after living in Westchester for many years to be closer to the practice facility. They will be able to walk to the arena from their apartments and be active in the community.

"Community is part of the Liberty DNA. They spend their time at restaurants, walk through that community," Clarke said. "Reinserting ourselves in the boroughs is a great thing for the players and staff alike."

Clarke said the Liberty will share many assets with the Nets. The staff will have offices at the Nets' training facility.

"We've been a team in flux. To have a home and to finally plant roots feels really good," Clarke said. "I'm extremely excited where we're heading and excited to see how our fans continue to support us."

The team will have a new coach after the Liberty decided not to renew the contract of Katie Smith on Wednesday.

"I would say there's no rhyme or reason to it," Clarke said of the timing of the coaching decision.

One thing that won't change is the team's name - the New York Liberty.

"We thought about it, but that's a storied franchise and it was one of the original teams, one of the most well-known WNBA teams." Levy said. "Why would you change that name? A lot of fans love that brand name."

Includes reports from AP basketball writer Doug Feinberg

Follow Mark Lungariello on Facebook: @lungariello; and Twitter: @marklungariello.