Breanna Stewart might have three shiny WNBA championship rings to her name, but according to her, the real MVP of the Stewart-Xargay household is none other than her wife, Marta Xargay. The New York Liberty star gave Xargay a standing ovation of words in a candid chat with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, crediting her partner for holding down the fort while Stewart dominates on the court.
“If Marta’s not in my Hall of Fame speech one day, then I’ve done something terribly wrong,” joked Stewart. “She’s been the glue, the strategist, and sometimes even the referee in our chaotic life with two toddlers.”
The reigning WNBA Finals MVP and proud toddler mom went on to emphasize just how pivotal Xargay has been in keeping their household from turning into a scene out of Home Alone.
Balancing Toddlers, Trophies, and Tearful Tantrums
Being a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a perennial All-Star, and now a mom to two under three, Stewart admits that her world often feels like a pick-and-roll with no timeouts left.
“It’s tough to juggle parenting and basketball,” she said. “Sleep deprivation becomes your new pre-game warmup. But Marta makes sure I can be present wherever I am—whether it’s dunking at the gym or dodging flying sippy cups at home.”
Marta Xargay, who met Stewart during their time as teammates in the Russian professional league, has embraced her role as the household’s CEO with ease. Their journey has been nothing short of storybook-worthy, from their engagement and wedding in 2021 to the arrival of their first child, Ruby Mae, just a day after Stewart secured her second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. Talk about timing.
Stewart quipped, “Ruby decided to show up right after I won gold, as if to remind me that my job at home might be tougher than guarding Sylvia Fowles.”
Fast forward to October 2024, and the couple welcomed their second child, Theo Josep, just as Stewart was spearheading the Liberty to their first WNBA title in franchise history.
The Liberty’s Trophy-Winning Secret: A Home Run
While Stewart averaged a monster stat line of 19.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists during the postseason, she says the real assist leader is Xargay.
“Honestly, if Marta were keeping stats, she’d have triple-doubles daily—one for patience, one for endurance, and one for surviving my post-game moods,” Stewart said with a laugh.
The Liberty’s historic championship win over the Minnesota Lynx came after five grueling games. Stewart credited Xargay’s unwavering support as a vital part of her success, adding a healthy dose of humor: “If Marta ran our family with the same energy, focus, and sarcasm she uses at home, we’d have another championship by now.”
From Russia With Love to Brooklyn’s Bright Lights
The couple’s love story is one for the ages, blossoming amidst pick-and-rolls and long Russian winters. Now, their family is growing alongside Stewart’s ever-expanding trophy cabinet.
With Marta steering the ship at home, Stewart says she’s free to dominate her double life as a hoops legend and a hands-on parent.
“I’ve got toddlers at home and defenders on the court—one tries to outwit me with tantrums, and the other tries to stop me from scoring. I’m not sure which is harder,” Stewart joked.
For now, the Liberty star says her family serves as her biggest motivation and her secret sauce to staying grounded.
“Every time I look at Ruby and Theo, I see the chapters of my career. They remind me that life, like basketball, is about balance, resilience, and remembering to laugh when things get messy.”
As Stewart prepares for another season, one thing’s certain: Marta Xargay might not have a WNBA ring, but she’s definitely earned her spot on the all-time “partner goals” list.