Brondello Takes Helm at Toronto Tempo
New Role for Brondello
Sandy Brondello has been appointed as the first head coach of the Toronto Tempo, an expansion team set to debut in 2026. This decision comes after her recent tenure with the New York Liberty, where she led the team to its first WNBA championship in 2024.
Challenges in New York
Brondello faced a tough season in 2025 with the Liberty. Despite a strong start, injuries to key players like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart affected the team's performance. The Liberty finished with a 27-17 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs, leading to a coaching change.
Exploring Other Opportunities
After leaving New York, Brondello entered a brief coaching free agency period. She revealed in an interview that she had three great options, including offers from the Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm. Brondello was particularly tempted by the chance to coach Paige Bueckers in Dallas but ultimately chose Toronto for the opportunity to build a team from the ground up.
Looking Ahead to Toronto
In her new role, Brondello expressed excitement about working with general manager Monica Wright Rogers. She believes their shared experience as former players will help build a successful franchise. Brondello emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in creating a world-class team. She stated, "I was sold on the vision that they had for this franchise. To build a team from the ground up, that’s something that really excites me."
Brondello's Achievements
Brondello, a veteran of the WNBA coaching ranks, was named the WNBA's Coach of the Year in 2014. She has also served as head coach of the Australian women's national team since 2017, guiding them to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A former WNBA All-Star and three-time Olympic medalist, she was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Toronto Tempo's Vision
The Tempo, the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, will play home games at an 8,700-seat arena in downtown Toronto, with additional games in Montreal and Vancouver. Brondello noted, "This is a place that’s serious about doing things the right way - about excellence, about people, about community - and that’s exactly the kind of environment every coach wants to be part of."
