WNBA’s Toronto Tempo to hire Sandy Brondello as first coach

Veteran WNBA coach Sandy Brondello is “expected to be named the first coach in Toronto Tempo history,” according to a source cited by Ben Pickman of THE ATHLETIC. The Tempo have a “proven WNBA winner in Brondello,” who is the winningest coach in the Liberty and Mercury’s histories and won a title with each franchise. She also has “demonstrated the ability to connect with players.” Brondello was “largely beloved by New York’s players and support staff as the franchise went from just 16-20 in her first season to a perennial title contender at the end of her tenure,” including the 2024 championship. The Tempo “prioritized past head-coaching experience in its search and considered several other former WNBA head coaches.” However, the Tempo’s “next steps remain an open question,” as the upcoming expansion draft involving the Tempo and fellow expansion team the Portland Fire, both set to start play in 2026, is “not expected until after” a new CBA is reached. Sources said that the Tempo’s hire of Brondello is “expected to set off a chain reaction” in the Wings and Storm’s head-coaching hires, as she “also interviewed with both teams” (THE ATHLETIC, 10/22).

NEW CHALLENGE: In Toronto, Doug Smith notes with Brondello being let go by the Liberty last month, she “automatically became one of the most coveted names on the market.” Brondello had been “linked to one of the most interesting openings — in Dallas with a roster that includes young star Paige Bueckers — but was wooed by the challenge of guiding the first international team in WNBA history” (TORONTO STAR, 10/22).