Sandy Brondello Says Goodbye to New York Liberty After Epic Title Run

Picture this: confetti raining down at Barclays Center, fans roaring, and the New York Liberty hoisting their first-ever WNBA championship trophy in 2024. At the heart of it all? Coach Sandy Brondello, the mastermind who turned dreams into reality for a franchise that had waited nearly three decades for that moment. Fast-forward to September 23, 2025, and the basketball world is reeling from a shocker: Brondello’s contract wasn’t renewed, just days after a rough playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury. Yep, the coach who brought the Liberty their long-awaited ring is moving on, leaving fans buzzing, players emotional, and everyone wondering—what’s next? Let’s dive into Sandy’s incredible journey with the Liberty, the highs of that championship, the bumps of 2025, and why this goodbye feels like the end of a blockbuster movie (with a sequel already brewing!).

 Sandy Brondello 

Sandy’s Liberty Story

Sandy Brondello isn’t just any coach—she’s a hoops legend with a story that could inspire a Netflix series. Hailing from Australia, she was a star player first, rocking the court in three Olympics and earning a spot in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. When she swapped her sneakers for a clipboard, her magic only grew. Before landing in New York, she coached the Phoenix Mercury to a 2014 WNBA title and made them a perennial powerhouse. By the time she joined the Liberty in 2022, she was ready to sprinkle some of that championship fairy dust on a team desperate for glory.When Sandy arrived, the Liberty were in a bit of a rut—think of them as a scrappy underdog with big potential but no hardware to show for it. She changed that vibe fast. With her sharp game plans and knack for getting players to buy in, she transformed the squad into a force. By 2023, she had them posting a dazzling 32-8 record and charging to the WNBA Finals, only to lose to the juggernaut Las Vegas Aces. No biggie—Sandy wasn’t fazed. She rallied her crew, fine-tuned the playbook, and set the stage for something epic.
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A Championship for the Ages

If you’re a Liberty fan, 2024 is the year you’ll tell your grandkids about. Sandy took a stacked roster—featuring superstars like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones—and turned them into a basketball symphony. The Liberty were a juggernaut, finishing the regular season with another 32-8 record. Their fast-paced, pass-heavy style was a blast to watch, with Ionescu raining threes, Stewart dominating everywhere, and Jones owning the paint like a boss.The playoffs? Pure drama. The Liberty battled through tough series, with Sandy’s coaching shining in clutch moments—think perfectly timed timeouts and sneaky defensive switches that threw opponents off. The Finals against the Aces went to a heart-pounding Game 7 at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024. With the score tight, Sandy’s game plan was a masterpiece: lock down A’ja Wilson with double-teams and let Ionescu fire away from deep. It worked! The Liberty won 78-72, and Brooklyn exploded with joy. Fans flooded the streets, a parade lit up the Canyon of Heroes, and Sandy’s name echoed through the borough. She signed a one-year extension with a team option for 2026, and it felt like the start of a Liberty dynasty.
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When the Wheels Wobbled

Okay, let’s be real: 2025 started like a dream. The Liberty, riding high as champs, kicked off the season with a 9-0 streak that had fans chanting “repeat!” Sandy had the team clicking—Sabrina was dishing dimes like nobody’s business, Stewie was a walking triple-double, and the bench was stepping up big. But then, the injury bug hit, and it hit hard. Stewart missed six weeks with a knee sprain, Jones was in and out with ankle issues, and Ionescu battled a sore shoulder. Suddenly, the Liberty’s high-flying offense looked a little grounded, and they limped to a 27-17 record—still solid, but not the dominant force everyone expected.The playoffs were the real gut-punch. Seeded fifth, the Liberty faced the Phoenix Mercury—Sandy’s old squad—in the first round. Phoenix came out swinging, with Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper proving unstoppable. The Liberty fought hard but dropped the series 2-1 on September 19, 2025, making them the first defending champs in WNBA history to exit in the opening round. Ouch. Postgame, the players had Sandy’s back. “This isn’t on her,” Ionescu said, pointing to the injury toll. “We didn’t have our full squad, but she kept us in it.” Stewart was even fiercer: “Sandy’s got our back, and we’ve got hers.”

Why Say Goodbye Now

So, why the split? On September 23, 2025, during the team’s exit meetings, GM Jonathan Kolb dropped the bombshell: the Liberty wouldn’t pick up Sandy’s 2026 option. “Sandy’s the winningest coach in our history and gave us our first championship,” he said, all class. “We wish her the best in what’s next.” But fans were like, hold up—what?!Here’s the tea: the Liberty’s owners, Joe and Clara Wu Tsai, have poured big bucks into making the team a global brand—think shiny new practice facilities and a packed Barclays Center. With new WNBA teams like the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining in 2026, the pressure’s on to stay at the top. Some insiders say the front office felt 2025’s playoff flop showed the team needed a fresh spark, even if Sandy’s track record was stellar. It’s a tough call, especially since Sandy’s one of five female WNBA coaches let go in the past year, sparking chatter about fairness in the league. Aces coach Becky Hammon summed it up on X: “Sandy’s a winner, period. This one hurts.”Fans on X are torn—some call it a knee-jerk move after one bad playoff run, while others trust the front office’s vision for a dynasty. One viral post from The New York Times recapping the news racked up thousands of likes, with fans debating whether the Liberty are hitting reset too soon.The Players’ Heart: Loyalty to SandyThe Liberty roster? They’re ride-or-die for Sandy. Breanna Stewart was gutted, telling reporters, “To anyone doubting Sandy, look at what she built here. She’s the reason we’re champs.” Sabrina Ionescu, the Brooklyn kid who became a star under Sandy’s wing, got emotional: “She saw something in me and made me a leader.” Jonquel Jones took to X with a sweet post: “Champions don’t forget who got them there. Love you, Coach.” It’s clear Sandy wasn’t just calling plays—she was building a family.With free agency around the corner, the players’ loyalty could shape what’s next. Will stars like Stewart push for a say in the new coach? The core’s locked in, but a new vibe will need to keep that chemistry tight.
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What’s Next for Sandy and the Liberty

The Liberty are now on the hunt for a new coach, and the rumor mill’s buzzing. Could Stephanie White, fresh off a stint with the Sun, bring her defensive grit? Or maybe a throwback hire like Liberty legend Teresa Weatherspoon? With a stacked roster and a fanbase ready for more parades, the next coach has big shoes to fill—but also a golden opportunity.As for Sandy, she’s not slowing down at 59. She’s a two-time WNBA champ with plenty of fire left. The Seattle Storm, who just parted ways with Noelle Quinn, could be calling her name. Or maybe she’ll pop up on TV, breaking down games with her trademark smarts. “Bringing New York its first title is my proudest moment,” she told the Associated Press. Wherever she lands, you know she’ll be cooking up something special.

Why This Matters for Hoops Fans

Sandy’s exit isn’t just a Liberty story—it’s a window into where the WNBA’s headed. The league’s bigger than ever, with record viewership in 2025 and new teams on the way. But early playoff exits like New York’s show how brutal the competition is. Coaches like Sandy, who’ve proven they can win, are gold in this league, and her next move will be must-watch drama.

Plan Your Liberty Fandom

Missed the 2025 season? Don’t worry—the Liberty are back at Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn) in May 2026. Tickets start at about $20, and you can snag them at newyorkliberty.com. Pro tip: get there early for fan zone fun—think photo ops, giveaways, and maybe a glimpse of Ellie the Elephant hyping the crowd! After the game, hit up Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO or stroll the Brooklyn Bridge for that classic NYC vibe.

Conclusion

Sandy Brondello’s time with the New York Liberty was a wild, beautiful ride—capped by a 2024 championship that lit up Brooklyn and made history. Her departure after a tough 2025 playoff run stings, but it doesn’t erase her legacy as the coach who brought the Liberty their first ring and made them believe they could be giants. For fans, it’s a chance to rally behind the team’s next chapter, with stars like Ionescu and Stewart ready to keep the dream alive. For Sandy, it’s just the start of her next adventure. So, grab your seafoam green gear, cheer loud, and let’s see what the Liberty—and their legendary ex-coach—do next in this crazy, thrilling world of women’s hoops!