Sandy Brondello has made history by being named the first head coach of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s newest team and the first franchise outside the United States. The announcement came Tuesday, confirming earlier reports about her appointment.
The 57-year-old Australian coach said she was drawn to the opportunity to build a team from the ground up in a new country. “I had a few options, but I was really intrigued about starting from the beginning and working with great people,” Brondello said after the official announcement. “This is Canada’s team, and that’s very exciting. I’m ready for every challenge.”
Brondello’s appointment marks a major milestone for women’s basketball in Canada. The Tempo’s arrival gives the WNBA its first international team since its founding in 1996, signaling a new era of growth for the league. The Toronto-based franchise will begin play in the 2026 season, adding fresh energy to professional women’s sports in Canada.
Before joining Toronto, Brondello had a successful four-year run with the New York Liberty. She led the team to its first WNBA title in 2024, but her contract was not renewed after the team’s early playoff exit in the following season. Despite that, her overall record with the Liberty remains impressive. She finished with 107 wins and 53 losses, the most victories by any coach in the team’s history.
Brondello also spent eight years as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, where she won another WNBA title in 2014 and reached the finals again in 2021. Her experience leading championship-winning teams makes her one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball.
For Brondello, this new challenge goes beyond coaching. It’s about creating a foundation for future generations of players and fans in Canada. “I’ve won a few championships, but this is a little different,” she explained. “We’ll be an expansion team, so a lot of players are free agents right now. Hopefully, summer in Toronto is special enough to attract some amazing talent to represent the Tempo.”
Building a new team from scratch means starting with scouting, recruiting, and player development. Brondello’s deep experience with both established stars and young talent will be key in shaping the team’s identity. She is expected to bring a mix of discipline, teamwork, and offensive creativity — qualities that defined her coaching style in New York and Phoenix.
The Toronto Tempo’s launch has been met with excitement from Canadian basketball fans, who have long supported the sport through the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. The WNBA’s arrival is seen as an important step in growing women’s sports visibility and opportunities in the country.
League officials expect the Tempo to play their home games in a downtown Toronto arena, with community outreach programs planned to promote youth basketball. The team’s branding, logo, and player roster will be revealed in 2025 as preparations continue for their first season.
Brondello’s leadership will play a vital role in how the franchise is perceived and how quickly it becomes competitive. Her international background also aligns with the global vision of the WNBA, which has increasingly embraced diversity among players and coaches.
As the Tempo prepare for their 2026 debut, all eyes are on Brondello and her next moves. She has built a reputation for creating cohesive teams that play smart, balanced basketball. Now, she will aim to do the same on a new stage — one that represents not only a new team but a new frontier for women’s basketball in Canada.
