Strategic Moves in the New York Liberty
The New York Liberty’s general manager, Jonathan Kolb, has revealed details about the decision not to renew coach Sandy Brondello’s contract. Kolb emphasized that this measure was not a reaction to recent results, but a proactive strategy based on the need for “evolution and innovation”.Brondello, who led the team to its first championship in 2024, was the coach with the most wins in franchise history. However, a season marked by injuries led the Liberty to fall in the first round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury. Kolb clarified that the decision was not based solely on this season’s results. He pointed out that innovation, including a possible coaching change, was considered since the previous season. Although the WNBA was already in the process of change, the Liberty opted for continuity at that time.These decisions mark crucial moments for organizations. You can stay stagnant or embrace change and move forward, and my commitment is to continue driving the New York Liberty to new heights.
Jonathan Kolb
The coaching change occurred after several players, including Breanna Stewart, expressed their support for Brondello following the loss in the third game against the Mercury. Kolb emphasized that, although they value a team led by the players, the management has the responsibility to make key decisions. Kolb expressed his “utmost confidence” that Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones will want to return to Brooklyn in 2026. These three players, along with almost all WNBA veterans, are free agents this offseason, as the league prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement. Kolb indicated that there is no defined deadline to hire Brondello’s replacement and that the organization is not in a hurry. Although he did not offer specific details about the qualities they are looking for in the next coach, he assured that they have a “clear vision”. Regarding the experience required for the position, Kolb stated that they will not limit their search. The league has seen an increase in coaches with NBA experience in recent years.This is not a results-based organization. It’s not about winning or not winning. 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 Kolb
Sandy Brondello, with an extensive career in the WNBA as a player and coach, accumulated a record of 107-53 in her four seasons with the Liberty. Her 271 career wins place her sixth in WNBA history. The Liberty showed potential to defend the title with a 9-0 start to the 2025 season, before injuries affected Jones, Stewart, and other players. Brondello used a record 18 different starting lineups due to availability issues. Kolb noted that the Liberty’s problems this year, in addition to injuries, have been similar to those of other years: difficulties in responding to aggressiveness, spacing issues and, especially this season, a setback in defense and rebounding.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
Kolb mentioned, for example, the decrease in three-point shooting percentages and free throws compared to other teams, the latter being a hallmark of New York teams in recent years. Kolb will have a difficult task this offseason, not only in the search for a new coach, but also in building next year’s team. Only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for 2026.I think we want to go back to what we have been, but also solve the problems with which we still find success.
Jonathan Kolb
We have a great opportunity ahead of us. Also, many teams with the number of free agents that will be available, and our salary sheet is relatively clean. This is, honestly, probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many franchises.
Jonathan Kolb
