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Tempo Coach Apologizes for Racial Slur, WNBPA Meets

7/19/2026

Summary

Brondello Apologizes

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello apologized on July 18, 2026 after a live mic caught her calling Angel Reese a “protected species.”
Reese posted 23 points, a game-high 12 rebounds, two assists and three steals in the Dream’s 111-92 victory.
The comment was seen as a racial slur, adding to recent online abuse toward WNBA players and prompting a Women’s National Basketball Players Association meeting with league officials on Tuesday in New York.

Summary

Sabally Injured

Nyara Sabally suffered an apparent rib injury after colliding with Angel Reese late in the third quarter.
The collision occurred during the Atlanta Dream’s 111-92 win over the Toronto Tempo at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.
Officials called a foul on Sabally rather than on Reese despite Sabally bearing the worst of the impact.
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello pleaded with referees while Sabally’s injury was being tended.

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Brondello Apologizes

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello apologized on July 18, 2026 after a live mic caught her calling Angel Reese a “protected species.”
Reese posted 23 points, a game-high 12 rebounds, two assists and three steals in the Dream’s 111-92 victory.
The comment was seen as a racial slur, adding to recent online abuse toward WNBA players and prompting a Women’s National Basketball Players Association meeting with league officials on Tuesday in New York.

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