In a move that has sent shockwaves through the women's basketball world, championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello is set to depart the New York Liberty and take the helm at expansion franchise Toronto Tempo.
The Australian coaching maestro, who guided the Liberty to their first WNBA championship in over two decades, will now spearhead the Canadian team's inaugural season in what marks one of the most significant coaching moves in recent WNBA history.
A Championship Pedigree Crosses Borders
Brondello's decision comes fresh off delivering New York's first title since 2002, cementing her status as one of the league's premier tactical minds. Her appointment represents a major coup for the Toronto organisation as they build toward their 2026 debut.
The timing of this transition is particularly striking, coming just weeks after Brondello celebrated the Liberty's championship victory. Sources close to the organisation indicate the Tempo pursued the highly-regarded coach aggressively, seeing her championship experience as crucial for establishing credibility in their maiden season.
Building from the Ground Up
Toronto Tempo, who will play their home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, gain not just a proven winner but someone with extensive experience in player development and building team culture. Brondello's international background, having coached the Australian national team, brings additional global perspective to the new franchise.
"This represents an incredible opportunity to shape a franchise from its very foundations," Brondello said in a statement. "While leaving New York is bittersweet, the challenge of building something special in Toronto was too compelling to ignore."
What This Means for the WNBA Landscape
The coaching carousel continues to spin dramatically across the league:
- Brondello becomes the latest high-profile coach to change teams this offseason
- Toronto instantly gains credibility with a championship-calibre leader
- New York must now search for a replacement to maintain their championship window
- The move strengthens growing international connections within the league
As the WNBA continues its expansion era, securing established coaching talent like Brondello demonstrates the growing appeal and competitive nature of the league's newest franchises.
