The WNBA landscape is buzzing with the news that Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA championship-winning coach, is reportedly stepping in as the first head coach for the expansion Toronto Tempo. This move brings a wealth of experience and a proven winning pedigree to the league’s newest Canadian franchise, setting high expectations for their inaugural 2026 season.
The Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA’s highly anticipated expansion teams, has reportedly found its first leader on the sidelines. According to reports from The Athletic’s Ben Pickman and confirmed by sources to ESPN, veteran coach Sandy Brondello is expected to be named the Tempo’s inaugural head coach. This announcement, anticipated in the coming days once a contract is finalized, marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as it prepares to debut in the 2026 season alongside the Portland Fire.
A Shocking Exit and a Swift Return: Brondello’s Path to Toronto
Brondello’s availability on the coaching market came as a surprise to many within the WNBA community. The New York Liberty opted not to renew her contract following their 2025 campaign, despite her significant success with the team. Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb acknowledged her “everlasting impact” and recognized her as the “winningest coach in franchise history,” who notably led them to their first-ever championship in 2024. Under Brondello, the Liberty also reached the WNBA Finals in 2023, achieving a remarkable 107-53 record over four seasons.
Her departure from New York created a high-demand coaching vacancy, with sources indicating Brondello received “significant interest from multiple organizations” before ultimately choosing Toronto, as reported by ESPN. The speed of her return to a head coaching role underscores her respected status and proven track record in the league.
A Storied Career: Brondello’s Coaching Pedigree
The Toronto Tempo gains a coach with an extraordinary resume, both as a player and a head coach. Brondello’s coaching career highlights include:
- Phoenix Mercury (2014-2021): She led the Mercury to a WNBA championship in her first year (2014) and was named WNBA Coach of the Year that season.
- New York Liberty (2022-2025): Guided the team to back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2023 and 2024, securing the franchise’s first title in 2024.
- San Antonio Silver Stars (2010): Served as head coach for one season.
- Assistant Coach: Held assistant roles with the Los Angeles Sparks and the San Antonio Silver Stars.
- Australian Opals National Team: Currently coaches the Australian national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Overall, Brondello boasts a career head-coaching record of 271-181 with two WNBA championships, demonstrating her consistent ability to build and lead successful teams.
The Toronto Tempo: Building a Foundation for Success
The Tempo, set to begin play in 2026, will host their home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. In an exciting move for Canadian basketball fans, the team also plans to play two regular-season games in Montreal and two in Vancouver, spreading the WNBA experience across the country.
The hiring of Brondello signals a clear intent from the Tempo to be competitive from day one. Her experience in building championship contenders will be invaluable for an expansion franchise. The Tempo’s general manager, Monica Wright Rogers, is also a former WNBA player, creating a unique leadership combination. As Field Level Media highlights, Brondello and Rogers are the only coach-GM combination of former WNBA players in the league, bringing an insider’s perspective to team building.
Expansion Expectations: Learning from the Golden State Valkyries
The Tempo will undoubtedly face pressure to perform well in their inaugural season, especially given the precedent set by the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries, who joined the league in 2025, made the playoffs in their first season, with head coach Natalie Nakase earning WNBA Coach of the Year honors for her efforts. This success raises the bar for all future expansion teams, including Toronto.
However, the Tempo’s roster construction will face unique challenges. The WNBA is not expected to hold an expansion draft for the Tempo and Portland Fire until after a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. This means Brondello will have to work closely with GM Monica Wright Rogers to build a competitive roster under evolving circumstances.
For fans, Brondello’s appointment offers immense excitement. Her proven ability to develop players and craft winning strategies, combined with the energy of a new market, creates a compelling narrative for the Toronto Tempo’s entry into the WNBA. The focus now shifts to how she and Rogers will construct their team and if they can replicate the immediate success of other recent expansion franchises.
