Two-Time WNBA Champion Coach Sets Tone for New Era of the WNBA
The Toronto Tempo have found their first head coach, and they could not have made a more strategic choice. Reports confirm that veteran coach Sandy Brondello will lead the WNBA’s newest franchise as it prepares for its debut season. Despite leading the New York Liberty to their first WNBA Finals championship in 2024, the team announced they would not renew Brondello’s contract this past September. Brondello’s resume speaks for itself. She is one of the league’s most respected tacticians, with championship experience and a reputation for developing cohesive, high-performing teams. Her hiring signals the Tempo’s intention to compete immediately, not simply exist as an expansion side finding its footing.
Brondello’s experience in building cultures from the ground up will be crucial as Toronto shapes its identity. She guided both the Phoenix Mercury and the Liberty to deep postseason runs, known for balancing star power with team chemistry. Her ability to maximize talent, whether coaching MVPs like Diana Taurasi or managing evolving rosters, has earned her widespread respect among players. This level of leadership is essential as she assembles the Tempo’s first roster, likely blending seasoned veterans with promising young talent from the upcoming draft.
The WNBA’s decision to add Toronto to its ranks reflects the league’s confidence in global growth. Canada has long been a thriving basketball market, supported by an NBA team that consistently draws crowds and revenue. Toronto’s addition marks the league’s first international expansion. Brondello’s hire fits this ambitious vision: she is an experienced coach with international pedigree, having led the Australian national team to Olympic success. Her global perspective aligns perfectly with the Tempo’s mission to expand the WNBA’s presence beyond the United States while maintaining a high competitive standard.
More broadly, this move underscores the WNBA’s commitment to long-term investment and sustainability. Expansion isn’t just about geography; it’s about setting new teams up for immediate relevance, which Brondello’s leadership makes possible. With record viewership, rising sponsorships, and increased player salaries, the league’s momentum is stronger than ever. If Toronto’s launch goes as planned, the Tempo could become the blueprint for how to expand the WNBA by pairing new markets with proven, visionary leadership.
