Sandy Brondello Named First Head Coach of Toronto Tempo

Sandy Brondello has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo, an expansion team set to debut in the WNBA in 2026. This decision follows her recent departure from the New York Liberty, where she led the team to its first championship in 2024. Brondello's hiring is expected to be officially announced shortly, as she finalizes her contract with the franchise.

New York TimesToronto Tempo Hire Sandy Brondello As Head CoachESPNSandy Brondello joining the Tempo a huge win for Toronto WNBA teamSandy Brondello will be the first head coach of the expansion Toronto Tempo

Brondello brings a wealth of experience to the Tempo, having achieved significant success in the WNBA. She is the winningest coach in the histories of both the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty, with a career record of 271-181 over 12 seasons. Her coaching accolades include two WNBA championships, one with the Mercury in 2014 and another with the Liberty in 2024. In addition to her WNBA accomplishments, Brondello has coached the Australian national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Toronto Tempo Hire Sandy Brondello As Head CoachRecently-fired WNBA coach gets a second opportunityReport: Tempo name Brondello 1st coach in franchise historyESPNNew York Times

The Toronto Tempo will play their home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, with plans to host two regular-season games in Montreal and two in Vancouver. The team is one of two new franchises joining the WNBA, alongside the Portland Fire. As the Tempo prepares for their inaugural season, they face the challenge of building a competitive roster, which is contingent on the outcomes of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association.

New York Times

Brondello's hiring is anticipated to influence coaching decisions within the league, particularly for the Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm, both of which had expressed interest in her candidacy. With Brondello off the market, these teams will need to explore other options for their head coaching vacancies.

New York TimesSandy Brondello will be the first head coach of the expansion Toronto TempoESPNRecently-fired WNBA coach gets a second opportunitySandy Brondello joining the Tempo a huge win for Toronto WNBA team

Brondello's appointment has been met with enthusiasm, as she is viewed as a strong fit for the Tempo, given her extensive experience and proven track record. The Tempo's general manager, Monica Wright Rogers, emphasized the importance of selecting a coach familiar with the league's dynamics and capable of fostering a winning culture.

New York Times

While Brondello's hiring is largely celebrated, some critics note the challenges she faces in building a team from scratch, contrasting her previous roles where she inherited established rosters. The success of the Tempo will depend on her ability to adapt her coaching strategies to a new environment and effectively develop talent.

New York Times

As the Tempo prepares for their expansion draft, the timeline for roster construction remains uncertain due to the ongoing collective bargaining discussions. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact how the team approaches player acquisitions and salary structures.

CBS Sports

• “Sandy Brondello has been chosen as the next slash/first head coach of the Toronto Tempo.” — Howard Megdal, The IX Sports

EssentiallySports

• “This is not about not winning or winning. It’s about how do we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a real sustainable way as the league evolves.” — Jonathan Kolb, Liberty General Manager

Recently-fired WNBA coach gets a second opportunity

Brondello's leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Toronto Tempo as they embark on their journey in the WNBA, aiming to establish themselves as a competitive force in women's basketball.

Sandy Brondello joining the Tempo a huge win for Toronto WNBA team