Why Was Sandy Brondello Fired? Possible Reasons Behind Liberty HC’s Sudden Exit Explained

WNBA is a cutthroat league for coaches. One season without a ring and you might just be out of a job, very much like Sandy Brondello, who was let go by the New York Liberty after their first round 2025 exit against the Phoenix Mercury. “What would you say to those who questioned whether Sandy should be here next year to coach you guys again?” a reporter had asked Breanna Stewart. Stewart, with an unfiltered reaction, said: “What the f–k?” The Liberty veteran had backed Brondello to continue for the 2026 season, but the management decided to ignore Stewart’s take and move in another direction. Let’s explore why that might be.

Brondello was probably a victim of her own standards. Liberty went from being the top seed at 32-8 in 2024 to a fifth seed in 27-17 in 2025. It wasn’t just the results, the product felt off to a fanbase that knows elite basketball. During their Game 3 loss against the Phoenix Mercury, many decided to walk out in the third or the early fourth quarter. One of the explanations from WNBA insider Khristina Williams for this lack of interest was simple.

“I think that the energy went down because the Liberty wasn’t really giving the fans anything to cheer for. And so people were leaving out of that building, second quarter, third quarter, and it was really sad to see because usually when you’re at Barclays, it’s packed. People were cheering on the team, good or bad, but I think the fans are just as fed up with how the Liberty are playing as everyone else is these days. So that was the gist of it.” She said. Well, the fans’ call has been answered by the management.

(This is a developing story…)