Strategic Moves in the WNBA: Restructuring of Key Teams
After the 2025 season, the WNBA is experiencing a wave of changes with the departure of coaches from important teams. The Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and Seattle Storm are seeking new strategies to face the 2026 season, which promises to be exciting with the incorporation of the expansion teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.
With two new openings and three teams looking for new leaders, the league’s landscape is redefined. Below, a detailed analysis of the most recent movements.
Toronto Tempo: Sandy Brondello Takes the Reins
The WNBA’s first international team, the Toronto Tempo, is betting on international experience by hiring Sandy Brondello as coach. Brondello, of Australian nationality, has two decades of experience in the league and an impressive track record.
With two championships and a regular season record of 452-271, Brondello brings immediate competitive credibility to the Tempo, who will debut in 2026.
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Brondello, who previously coached the New York Liberty, led the team to the WNBA Finals in 2023 and won the league championship in 2024. His deep knowledge of the WNBA and international basketball will be crucial for building the Tempo’s roster.
Portland Fire: Alex Sarama and an Innovative Approach
The Portland Fire have selected Alex Sarama, assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their coach. Sarama is recognized for his “Constraints-Led Approach” (CLA), a training system that promotes adaptation and decision-making under pressure.
Sarama, with prior experience in European basketball, sees the opportunity to implement the CLA in an expansion team as an ideal scenario to develop his game system.
Dallas Wings: A New Beginning After a Difficult Season
The Dallas Wings fired Chris Koclanes after a season with a 10-34 record. The franchise is looking for its fifth coach since 2019, in an attempt to find stability and improve its performance.
Despite having promising young talent, such as Paige Bueckers, the team faces the challenge of overcoming constant changes in the coaching staff and improving its performance on the court.
New York Liberty: End of an Era
The New York Liberty decided not to renew the contract of Sandy Brondello, who left the team after four seasons, including the WNBA championship in 2024. The decision, according to general manager Jonathan Kolb, is based on the need for “evolution and innovation” for the team’s future.
Seattle Storm: Restructuring and New Challenges
Noelle Quinn left her position as coach of the Seattle Storm after a season of ups and downs. Quinn, who took over in 2021, led the team to the playoffs on four occasions and won the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup title.
The Storm will seek a new direction, with the challenge of improving their offense and taking advantage of the team’s emerging talent.
