A Champion's Legacy Interrupted: The End of an Era for Brondello and the Liberty

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The partnership began with a promise of a new era for the New York Liberty and ended in a sudden, shocking parting of ways. In January 2022, when Sandy Brondello was named the ninth head coach in franchise history, she was tasked with a singular mission: transform the long-suffering Liberty into a champion. She did exactly that, but after a disappointing 2025 season plagued by injuries, the team has parted ways with the coach who brought them their first-ever WNBA title.

Brondello, a veteran coach with a reputation for both tactical brilliance and a nurturing, player-first approach, was seen as the perfect fit to lead a new superteam. Her arrival preceded the additions of perennial MVP candidates Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones in 2023, forming a formidable “Big Three” alongside the already rising Sabrina Ionescu. The results were immediate and historic. In her first two full seasons with the trio, the Liberty posted a remarkable 32-8 record each year, tying the franchise record for wins and establishing a dynasty in the making.

Her coaching philosophy, often encapsulated by the phrase “never too high, never too low,” was a calming force amidst the immense pressure. She was a master at empowering her stars, creating an offensive system that maximized the talents of Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones. Under her guidance, Ionescu developed into a more complete player and a leader, while Stewart and Jones were seamlessly integrated into the team’s potent attack.

The pinnacle of their partnership came in 2024. After falling just short in the WNBA Finals the previous year, Brondello led the Liberty to its first WNBA championship in the franchise’s 28-year history. The title was a validation of Brondello’s vision and a monumental moment for a franchise that had been chasing a championship since its inception.

However, the 2025 season brought a stunning reversal of fortune. The team was ravaged by injuries, with all three of its star players missing significant time. As a result, the Liberty’s record fell to 27-17, and they suffered an early first-round playoff exit.

Despite the obvious mitigating circumstances, the Liberty’s front office made the difficult decision to move on from the coach who had brought them a title. With a 107-53 record in her four seasons, Brondello leaves as the winningest coach in franchise history. While the circumstances of her departure may be debated, her legacy in New York is cemented by one simple fact: she was the coach who finally delivered a championship to a city that had been waiting for decades.