The New York Liberty announced Tuesday that they will not renew head coach Sandy Brondello’s contract for the 2026 season following their playoff elimination. The decision came after the team’s first-round loss to the Phoenix Mercury, marking the end of Brondello’s four-year tenure with the franchise.
Brondello, who joined the Liberty in 2022 after an eight-year stint with the Phoenix Mercury, led the team to its first WNBA title in franchise history last season. She finished her time in New York as the winningest coach in Liberty history, with a record that included a championship-winning season. General manager Jonathan Kolb praised Brondello’s contributions, stating that she helped take the team to ‘never-before-seen heights’ as the first head coach to lead the Liberty to a title.
Despite the team’s playoff exit, Brondello’s legacy with the Liberty remains strong. The team’s star player, Breanna Stewart, defended Brondello’s leadership during a postgame press conference, expressing frustration at the suggestion that she should not return for the next season. Stewart emphasized that Brondello’s resilience and positive attitude were key to the team’s success, even in the face of injuries to key players.
With the loss of Brondello, the Liberty now face the challenge of finding a new coach to continue their upward trajectory. The team’s playoff run this season, despite the setback, has been seen as a sign of promise, with Brondello’s coaching style and strategic acumen playing a significant role in their recent achievements.
The decision to not renew Brondello’s contract is viewed as a necessary step for the organization, as they look to rebuild and adapt to the evolving WNBA landscape. While the move may be seen as a loss for the team’s culture, the Liberty have expressed their gratitude for Brondello’s contributions and wish her well in her next chapter.
The Liberty’s journey under Brondello has been a testament to the power of coaching and mentorship in the WNBA. Her success with both the Mercury and the Liberty has established her as a premier figure in the league, and her departure leaves a significant void that the team will need to address in the coming seasons.