The New York Liberty have fired coach Sandy Brondello. The organization confirmed that her contract will not be renewed for the 2026 WNBA season, bringing an end to a four-year tenure that delivered both promise and frustration.
Brondello took over in New York in 2022, inheriting a young roster on the rise. In just one season she guided the Liberty into serious championship contention, helped by the addition of superstar forward Breanna Stewart and the growth of homegrown star Sabrina Ionescu. By 2023, the Liberty had reached the WNBA Finals, a moment that energized the franchise and its fanbase.
Yet while the team consistently positioned itself among the league’s best, it failed to secure the championship that many believed was within reach. In multiple playoff runs the Liberty were undone by inconsistency, lapses in execution, and the enduring dominance of the Las Vegas Aces. For a franchise in the heart of New York City, where expectations are sky-high and resources abundant, simply being competitive was not enough.
The decision to part ways with Brondello reflects the franchise’s determination to take the next step. With a roster that features Stewart, Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and other top talents, the Liberty are built to win now. The front office has made it clear that leadership must match the ambition of the roster.
Brondello leaves behind a strong legacy despite not securing a championship in New York. She is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s basketball. During her earlier tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, she won the 2014 WNBA title and earned Coach of the Year honors. Her move to the Liberty was seen as a chance to replicate that success in a bigger market. While the ultimate prize eluded her, she transformed the Liberty from a rebuilding franchise into a perennial contender and instilled a competitive culture that will serve as a foundation for whoever takes the reins next.
The decision also highlights the unforgiving nature of professional sports. Coaches are often judged not by progress but by the final step whether they can deliver a championship. For Brondello, opportunities will not be scarce. With her resume and experience, she is certain to attract attention from other WNBA teams or overseas clubs eager to tap into her knowledge and leadership.
For the Liberty, the search for a new coach begins immediately. The next hire will face immense pressure, stepping into a job with championship-or-bust expectations. Managing the personalities and talents of multiple All-Stars while navigating the intensity of the New York market will not be easy. Yet the potential rewards are clear. Bringing a WNBA title to New York would not only validate the Liberty’s roster-building efforts but also establish the team as one of the league’s flagship franchises.
The firing of Sandy Brondello signals more than just a change in leadership. It is a statement of intent. The Liberty are not satisfied with near misses. They want banners, rings, and history. Whether the next coach can deliver on that lofty ambition remains the defining question for the future of New York basketball.
