Sandy Brondello is poised to take on the role as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo, a source familiar with the appointment disclosed to The Associated Press on Wednesday. The source requested anonymity as an official announcement is pending. Brondello, previously with the New York Liberty, did not have her contract renewed after the last season, despite guiding the team to its first WNBA championship in 2024. The Liberty encountered multiple injuries during the season and were eliminated in the initial playoff round.
Brondello will now assume leadership of the newly-established Tempo team, slated to commence competition in the upcoming season. Alongside her consideration for the head coach position at the Dallas Wings, the experienced coach was also in the running for a similar role with the Seattle Storm.
The initial report on this development was published by The Next. During her tenure with New York, Brondello amassed a record of 107-53 over four seasons, making her the winningest coach in franchise history. The Liberty commenced with a record-setting nine consecutive victories, but faced setbacks in the subsequent months due to numerous injuries.
Before her stint with the Liberty, Brondello steered the Phoenix Mercury to a championship during her eight-year tenure with the team. She joined the Liberty in 2022 after her contribution to the Mercury’s appearance in the 2021 WNBA Finals.
After finishing as runners-up to Las Vegas in 2023, New York clinched the championship last season in a thrilling Game 5 overtime triumph over Minnesota.
