The New York Liberty announced on Tuesday that they will not renew head coach Sandy Brondello’s contract for the upcoming season. Brondello, instrumental in leading the Liberty to their inaugural WNBA championship in 2024, faced a challenging season hampered by injuries to key players such as Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu. Despite these setbacks, the team secured the No. 5 seed in the playoffs but was eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury.
Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb expressed gratitude for Brondello’s impact on the franchise, acknowledging her as the winningest coach in the team’s history. “Sandy finishes her tenure in New York having taken us to never-before-seen heights, leading the Liberty to a championship,” Kolb stated. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
During her four seasons with the Liberty, Brondello achieved a record of 107-53. The team began the season on a high note, winning nine consecutive games, but was unable to maintain momentum due to injuries.
Following the playoff loss, the players rallied in support of their coach. Breanna Stewart, addressing criticisms of Brondello’s tenure, praised the coach’s resilience and positivity despite the challenges. “She has our back and we have hers,” Stewart emphasized. “Her ability to handle the tough hands dealt to her was remarkable.”
Before joining the Liberty, Brondello enjoyed success with the Phoenix Mercury, capturing a championship during her eight-season stint and reaching the WNBA Finals in 2021. She transitioned to the Liberty ahead of the 2022 season and brought them to the finals in 2023; the team narrowly lost to Las Vegas. However, in a thrilling 2024 championship run, Brondello led the Liberty to a memorable Game 5 overtime victory over Minnesota.
The departure of Brondello marks a significant change for the Liberty, who will now seek a new head coach to build upon her accomplishments. The team’s future remains hopeful, given the foundation laid under her leadership and the resilience demonstrated amidst adversity.