Report: Tempo name Brondello 1st coach in franchise history
The Toronto Tempo are hiring Sandy Brondello as the first head coach in franchise history, sources told Howard Megdal of The IX Sports.
Brondello interviewed for the Dallas Wings' and Seattle Storm's coaching vacancies before choosing Toronto, The Athletic's Ben Pickman reports.
Brondello joins the expansion team after being dismissed by the New York Liberty in September following four seasons together.
The 57-year-old enjoyed great success in the Big Apple, posting a 107-53 record and guiding the Liberty to their maiden WNBA title. She leaves as New York's all-time wins leader.
Brondello was also at the helm of the Phoenix Mercury from 2014-21. She captured Coach of the Year honors and led the team to a championship during her first year in charge.
She registered a winning record with Phoenix on six occasions. Her 150 regular-season victories and 24 playoff wins remain team records.
Brondello has coached some of the biggest stars in the women's game, including Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu.
She has a decorated international career, too, having led Australia to a pair of podium finishes at the FIBA Women's World Cup and a third-place finish at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.