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WNBA Team Makes Big Coaching Change After Playoff Elimination

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 11:18 AM ET

Sandy Brondello and the New York Liberty couldn't get past the first round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, falling to Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury 2-1. The Liberty got off to a red-hot start to begin the regular season, winning their first nine games. However, injuries to Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones forced them to miss 13 games apiece, and New York just never looked the same.

Brondello replaced Walt Hopkins as Liberty head coach in 2022 and has taken the team to the playoffs each season since. In 2023, she guided them to the WNBA Finals, where they fell to the Las Vegas Aces. Last season, however, Brondello earned redemption by leading Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty to their first championship.

However, despite a combined regular-season record of 107-53, the Liberty have elected to part ways with Brondello.

On Tuesday, New York announced that they will not be renewing Brondello's contract and "will begin the search for its next head coach immediately."

"The New York Liberty announced today that head coach Sandy Brondello’s contract will not be renewed for the 2026 season," the Liberty wrote.

Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb also made a statement regarding the departure of Brondello.

“We would like to thank Sandy Brondello for her everlasting impact on the New York Liberty,” Kolb said. “Sandy finishes her tenure in New York as the winningest coach in franchise history, and she took us to never-before-seen heights as the first head coach to lead the Liberty to a championship. We wish Sandy the very best in her next chapter.”

Thank you Coach Sandy, for bringing the Liberty its first championship and leaving an everlasting impact on the franchise. pic.twitter.com/cpf0pUGuuo
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 23, 2025

Before joining the Liberty in 2022, Brondello spent eight seasons as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. With her experience, another WNBA team could soon come calling. The Seattle Storm, notably, recently parted ways with Noelle Quinn.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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