Sandy Brondello wasn’t jobless for long after her contract with the New York Liberty expired. According to Howard Megdal from The IX, she will be the first head coach for the new Toronto Tempo. Brondello had previously led the Liberty for four seasons, culminating in a championship in 2024. However, following a challenging season, she was not retained after a first-round playoff exit, coincidentally against the Phoenix Mercury, the team she began her coaching career with in the WNBA.

In her career, Brondello boasts a record of 271 wins to 181 losses, including two championships in her twelve seasons split between Phoenix and New York. As she transitions to the expansion franchise, Brondello faces a unique challenge, especially after the success of the Golden State Valkyries, who made history by reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season.

The Tempo’s roster-building timeline is uncertain due to ongoing CBA negotiations, which will dictate new expansion draft rules. As reported, the negotiations are not progressing favorably with a looming October 31 deadline. Meanwhile, Brondello and GM Monica Wright Rogers can start strategizing potential player targets for their expansion draft.