Jonquel Jones Arranged Summer Internship for Nephew with New York Liberty, Team Embraced Him

New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones arranged for her nephew, David Adderly, to intern with the WNBA club this season, and team officials say the decision fit into the franchise’s emphasis on a family-oriented culture.

Jones, who previously played for the Connecticut Sun, had hosted Adderly when he was younger and wanted him to gain experience in sports management as he considered college options. She spoke to Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb about creating an internship opportunity, and Kolb approved the plan.

"We take a lot of pride in creating a family culture, and what better way to further that than to bring in an actual family member of one of our players," Kolb said. "Little did I know at the time what a gift we would be getting in return."

Team officials described the internship as part of the Liberty’s broader efforts to involve young people interested in sports operations and management. The arrangement provided Adderly direct exposure to the organization’s day-to-day activities during the summer months and opportunities to observe the front office and team staff at work.

Jones initiated the idea after having previously invited Adderly to stay with her when she played for the Sun. With him now older and expressing interest in pursuing sports management in college, she sought a way for him to gain practical experience within an NBA- or WNBA-affiliated organization. The Liberty welcomed the proposal and incorporated it into their summer staffing.

The move follows a trend among professional teams in the WNBA and elsewhere to provide internships and development roles to aspiring sports professionals, including students and young adults considering careers in front-office, operations, marketing and analytics. Liberty executives framed the decision as consistent with the franchise’s public messaging about fostering a familial environment among players, staff and the wider community.

The internship also offered Jones a way to share the professional side of basketball with a family member and to support a young person weighing educational and career choices. Jones, a veteran of the league, has balanced on-court duties with off-court mentorship and community engagement efforts throughout her career.

Kolb’s comments highlighted the organizational payoff beyond the immediate personnel addition. He and other team leaders said bringing in a family member of a player reinforced the Liberty’s internal culture and provided authentic opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

The Liberty did not disclose specific duties, hours or compensation related to the internship. The team confirmed that the arrangement lasted through the summer season and emphasized that it was one element among several programs the franchise uses to develop young talent interested in sports careers.

As colleges and professional teams continue to cultivate pathways into sports management, the Liberty’s experience with Adderly illustrates how players and front offices can collaborate to create real-world learning opportunities. Team officials said they would evaluate similar initiatives on a case-by-case basis in future summers.