Liberty and Sandy Brondello Part Ways After Historic Run
The New York Liberty have made a surprising decision, one that’s caught the attention of fans and players alike. Despite leading the team to its first-ever WNBA championship just last year in 2024, head coach Sandy Brondello will not be returning. The organization announced that her contract would not be renewed, effectively ending her time with the Liberty.
This is a stunning move when you look at Brondello’s record. In four seasons with New York, she posted a 107–53 record, won multiple coach of the month awards, and guided the Liberty to never-before-seen heights. Not only did she secure their first title, but she also became the winningest coach in franchise history. For many, her departure feels abrupt, especially since the Liberty were considered a powerhouse under her leadership.
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Brondello’s coaching journey is nothing short of impressive. Before joining the Liberty in 2022, she spent eight successful years with the Phoenix Mercury. In fact, she led Phoenix to a championship in her very first season there. When she arrived in New York, the Liberty stumbled a bit in her first year, but soon they turned into a dominant force. Back-to-back 32–8 seasons showed the team’s potential, and while the 2023 campaign ended short of a title, the 2024 season brought the ultimate reward—a WNBA championship parade through New York City.
But 2025 didn’t go quite as smoothly. The Liberty came out blazing with nine straight wins, looking every bit like contenders. Then things shifted. Injuries, lineup changes, and uneven play led to a midseason slide. The team finished 18–17 down the stretch, dropped to the fifth seed, and suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of the Mercury. For a franchise aiming to build a dynasty, that result may have pushed management toward change.
Players, however, voiced strong support for their coach. Breanna Stewart, visibly surprised when asked about Brondello’s future, quickly defended her, saying the coach had always backed the team and kept a positive outlook even in difficult times. Sabrina Ionescu agreed, nodding as Stewart emphasized, “We have Sandy’s back.” Jonquel Jones also took accountability for her own struggles in the postseason, making it clear she didn’t think the coach should shoulder the blame alone.
Still, the front office has the final word, and the Liberty are now moving into an offseason full of questions. General manager Jonathan Kolb will have to chart the next course: finding a new head coach while also managing roster moves, looming free agency decisions, and the challenge of keeping the Liberty competitive in an evolving league.
Brondello’s departure closes an important chapter in Liberty history. She delivered what no coach before her could—a championship. And though her time with New York ends earlier than many expected, her impact will be remembered. Fans and players may wonder if this change is truly for the best, but for now, the Liberty’s path forward feels uncertain, and Sandy Brondello’s legacy is cemented as one of the greats in WNBA coaching.
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