The New York Liberty made a surprising move earlier today, parting ways with head coach Sandy Brondello after an early playoff exit, despite a championship win in the previous season. This decision comes just four days after the Liberty, who were the defending champions, were knocked out of the WNBA playoffs in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury, finishing the season with a 27-17 record. According to ABC7 New York, Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb stated, "We would like to thank Sandy Brondello for her everlasting impact," also noting that she is the winningest coach in the franchise's history.
After securing the WNBA title in the 2024 season, the Liberty had high hopes for this year, starting the 2025 season on a stellar nine-game win streak. However, injuries plagued the team throughout the season, disrupting their momentum. Key players such as Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu all missed crucial games. Not to be minimized, Natasha Cloud's and Nyara Sabally's health issues contributed to the challenges faced by the team. "Every member of team's Big 3 – Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu – missed time," detailed a report from USA Today, emphasizing the impact of injuries on the season.
Despite the ultimate outcome, the Liberty players have stood firmly behind Brondello. Following their playoff loss, star player Breanna Stewart expressed her support, telling USA Today, "To anybody that questions Sandy being here, this is a resilient group and she has our back and we have hers." Sabrina Ionescu also remarked on the role of injuries this season, saying, "You’ve got to cherish those years where everything seems to be going well, you’re healthy, you’ve got your players out there. This year just wasn’t our year with that."
The Liberty's next steps and potential candidates to fill the head coach position remain under speculation. Meanwhile, Brondello's record with the Liberty still stands distinguished with two impressive 32-8 seasons and the franchise's historic first championship. Her tenure, while now concluded, leaves a significant mark on the team's legacy. Sandy Brondello, finishes her time with the Liberty not only as a champion but as an emblem of the team’s potential at its peak.
