Liberty: Brondello’s Dismissal, New Era in NY and Proactive Plan.

The New York Liberty’s general manager, Jonathan Kolb, has announced a strategic decision that marks a turning point for the franchise. Kolb explained that the decision not to renew coach Sandy Brondello’s contract was based on the need for “evolution and innovation”.

These decisions mark crucial moments for organizations. You can stagnate or embrace change and move forward, and my commitment is to continue driving the New York Liberty to new heights.

Jonathan Kolb

Brondello, who led the team to its first championship in 2024, leaves a significant legacy. However, the 2025 season was marked by injuries that led the Liberty to fall in the first round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury. Kolb clarified that the decision was not solely a result of the season’s results. The organization had already considered the importance of innovation, including a possible change of coach, since the previous season. The management decided to bet on continuity at that time, but now they are looking for a new direction.

This is not a results-based organization. It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about how we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a truly sustainable way as the league evolves.

Jonathan KolbThe coaching change comes after several players, including Breanna Stewart, expressed their support for Brondello following the loss in the third game against the Mercury. Kolb emphasized the importance of confidence in leadership and decision-making. Kolb is confident that Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones will want to return to Brooklyn in 2026. These players, along with most of the WNBA veterans, will be free agents this offseason, as the league prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement. The search for Brondello’s replacement does not have a set deadline, and the organization is not in a hurry to make a decision. Kolb did not want to give details about the selection criteria, but stated that they have a “clear vision”. Faced with the question of whether the next coach should have WNBA experience, Kolb indicated that they will not limit the scope of their search. The league has seen an influx of coaches with NBA experience in recent years.

We need to get this right. If we’re going to make a bold decision like this, our players deserve the best, so we’ll take the time we need.

Jonathan Kolb

Brondello, with an extensive career in the WNBA as a player and coach, obtained a 107-53 record in four seasons with the Liberty. Her 271 career wins place her in sixth place in WNBA history. The Liberty proved to be title contenders with a 9-0 start in 2025, before injuries affected Jones, Stewart, and other players. Brondello used 18 different starting lineups due to availability issues. Kolb noted that the Liberty’s problems this year, in addition to injuries, were similar to those of other years: difficulties responding to physical aggression, spacing issues and, especially this season, a setback in defense and rebounding.

I think we want to go back to being who we have been, but also solve the problems that we still find success.

Jonathan Kolb

Kolb mentioned, for example, the decrease in the percentages of three-point attempts and free throws compared to other teams, the former being a hallmark of New York teams in recent years. Kolb will have a lot of work this offseason, not only to find a new coach, but also to build next year’s roster. Only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for 2026.

We have a great opportunity ahead of us. Also, many teams with the number of free agents that will be on the market, and also our salary sheet is relatively clean. This is, honestly, probably a unique opportunity for many franchises.

Jonathan Kolb