The New York Liberty firing Sandy Brondello was not on anyone’s wish list late this season. Even when a reporter asked Breanna Stewart in a low voice if she was surprised by the head coach on their side, the Liberty star had NSFW to share. But things stand at a whole different juncture.
The two-time title-winning coach, with a sparkling 107-53 record over four seasons in New York, now hits the open market at a time when teams are shaking up benches amid expansion and playoff fallout. Brondello’s experience rebuilding Phoenix into a 2014 champ could fit several spots, but let’s have a look at the top three teams where she could potentially land.
3. Seattle Storm
Seattle’s a natural fit for Brondello, who could slide right into the vacancy left by Noelle Quinn’s firing after a first-round exit. The Storm boasts a loaded core with Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, and rookie Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick who’s already flashing franchise-cornerstone potential with her versatility.
Brondello’s history of developing bigs like Diana Taurasi’s prime in Phoenix could unlock Malonga’s game, turning her into a two-way force. Additionally, Brondello luring back ex-Liberty stars like Stewart for a Philly-to-Seattle homecoming or Ionescu to the West Coast to craft a “big three” could make Seattle instant favorites.
2. Dallas Wings
If Dallas shakes up its reported plan to retain Chris Koclanes, Brondello could inherit a treasure trove of young talent primed for her championship blueprint. Paige Bueckers, the Rookie of the Year guard, anchors a roster stacked with JJ Quinerly, Aziaha James, Luisa Geiselsoder, Maddy Siegrist, Diamond Miller, Haley Jones, Grace Berger, and Li Yueru.
Breaking: New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello’s contract will not be renewed for the 2026 season, the team announced.
— ESPN (@espn) September 23, 2025
The organization will begin the search for its next head coach immediately. pic.twitter.com/F1cae7lHYv
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Earlier, Brondello’s eye for spacing and development turned Ionescu into a Finals MVP. Now, she’d do the same with Bueckers, molding her into the next elite playmaker.
1. Chicago Sky
Chicago’s mess, and with a 10-34 record, coaching carousel, and Angel Reese trade drama, it screams for Brondello’s steady leadership after Tyler Marsh’s shaky tenure. The Sky traded away Sonia Citron for Ariel Atkins, but Reese’s double-double machine (14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds) remains a cornerstone if Brondello can mend the locker room fractures from Reese’s suspension and vet clashes.
Her knack for harmony, seen in rallying New York’s stars post-injuries, could convince Reese to stay, pairing her with Kamilla Cardoso for a fearsome frontcourt. Additionally, Brondello’s past championship experiences with two rings and four Finals could help end Chicago’s two-year playoff drought since 2021.