The New York Liberty’s general manager, Jonathan Kolb, has made a momentous decision for the team’s future. Kolb announced that coach Sandy Brondello’s contract will not be renewed, a move that, according to his own words, is based on a “proactive” strategy focused on the “evolution and innovation” necessary for success.
A New Direction for the Liberty
Kolb explained that these decisions mark crucial turning points for the organization. “We can either stay stagnant or embrace change and move forward, and my commitment is to continue driving the New York Liberty to new heights,” he stated. Brondello, who led the Liberty to their first championship in 2024, leaves a significant legacy as the coach with the most wins in franchise history. However, a season marked by injuries, especially this summer, led the team to an unexpected defeat in the first round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury. Kolb emphasized that the decision was not solely influenced by the results of this season. He revealed that the possibility of a coaching change had already been considered the previous season. Although the WNBA was already experiencing changes, the Liberty opted to maintain continuity at that time.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 occurred after several players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, expressed their support for Brondello following the loss in the third game against the Mercury. Kolb clarified that, while the organization values the players’ leadership, the final decision rests with management. Kolb expressed his confidence that Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, key players on the team, will want to return to Brooklyn in 2026. These three 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 team does not have a deadline to announce Brondello’s replacement and is not in a hurry to make a decision. Kolb declined to give specific details about the qualities they are looking for in the new coach, but assured that they have a “clear vision”. When asked if the next coach should have WNBA experience, Kolb indicated that they will not limit their search. The league has seen an increase in coaches with NBA experience in recent years. Brondello, with vast experience in the WNBA as a player and coach, left a record of 107-53 in her four seasons with the Liberty. Her 271 career wins place her as the sixth with the most wins in WNBA history. The Liberty proved to be title contenders with a 9-0 start to the 2025 season, before injuries affected Jones, Stewart, and other players. Brondello used 18 different starting lineups due to absences. Kolb noted that the Liberty’s problems this year, in addition to injuries, have been similar to those of other years: difficulties responding to aggressiveness, spacing issues and, especially this season, a setback in defense and rebounding. The off-season will not only represent the search for a new coach, but also the construction of the team for next year. Only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally have contracts for 2026. Kolb concluded by highlighting the great opportunity that presents itself: “We have a huge opportunity ahead. 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 unique opportunity for many franchises.”
