New York Liberty Part Ways With Head Coach Sandy Brondello: What’s Next for the Franchise?

The New York Liberty have officially parted ways with head coach Sandy Brondello, closing the chapter on a tenure that saw both highs and frustrations for one of the WNBA’s most high-profile franchises. The decision comes after another season in which championship aspirations fell short, despite the star-studded roster assembled in Brooklyn.

Brondello’s Legacy in New York

Brondello, who took over the Liberty in 2022 after a successful stint with the Phoenix Mercury, leaves behind a mixed legacy. On one hand, she helped transform New York from a rebuilding squad into a championship contender, guiding the team to back-to-back deep playoff runs and an appearance in the WNBA Finals in 2023.

Her leadership brought stability and credibility to the franchise at a critical moment, especially with the arrival of superstars Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Courtney Vandersloot. Brondello’s tactical adjustments and emphasis on chemistry turned the Liberty into one of the league’s most formidable teams.

But despite the progress, the ultimate prize—the franchise’s first WNBA championship—remained elusive. Consecutive postseason heartbreaks, paired with high expectations, ultimately left management seeking a new direction.

Who Could Be Next?

Attention now turns to who might step into one of the most pressure-filled jobs in women’s basketball. A few names stand out as potential candidates:

• Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces) – While currently entrenched in Las Vegas, Hammon’s New York ties and championship pedigree make her an ideal—but difficult to land—candidate.

• Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream) – A former Liberty player with rising coaching stock, Wright has proven herself as one of the league’s sharpest minds and could bring a strong cultural connection back to New York.

• Pokey Chatman – The longtime coach and executive has deep experience across the WNBA and could provide a steady veteran presence.

• Up-and-Coming Assistants – Rising stars on current WNBA staffs may also get a look, especially those known for player development and defensive schemes.

A Defining Decision Ahead

For the Liberty, the mission is clear: win now. With an MVP in Stewart, an All-WNBA guard in Ionescu, and one of the deepest rosters in the league, the window for a championship is wide open—but it won’t stay that way forever.

Sandy Brondello helped elevate New York back into the elite tier of the WNBA. Now, the franchise faces the daunting challenge of finding the leader who can finish the job and deliver the championship this city has been waiting for.