The New York Liberty confirmed today that head coach Sandy Brondello will not return to lead the team in the 2026 WNBA season,
signaling a significant shift for a franchise that has spent the past several years pushing toward championship contention.
Brondello, who joined the Liberty in 2022, helped guide the team through a dramatic transformation, elevating New York from a rebuilding roster to a legitimate title challenger built around stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones.
Under her leadership, the Liberty reached the WNBA Finals in 2023 and remained one of the league’s most consistent contenders.
Despite the team’s competitive success, the organization acknowledged that it is moving in a new direction, emphasizing the need for “fresh vision” as it looks ahead to the next phase of its competitive window.
Brondello’s contract runs through 2025, meaning she will complete next season before transitioning out.
The decision has already sparked strong reactions across the league, with many noting Brondello’s respected coaching résumé, championship history, and ability to manage high-pressure locker rooms. The move raises major questions about what kind of identity the Liberty will adopt as they search for the next architect of their championship push.
As New York enters a pivotal moment in its franchise timeline, the departure of one of the league’s most experienced coaches sets the stage for an offseason filled with intrigue, recalibration, and opportunity.
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