Sandy Brondello officially named first head coach of WNBA’s Toronto Tempo | WNBA

On Tuesday, Sandy Brondello was officially named the first head coach of the WNBA's Toronto Tempos.

The Associated Press previously reported that the 57-year-old Australian would lead the league's first team based outside the United States. Tempo will start playing in 2026.

“I had several options. [to go elsewhere]”But at the end of the day, I was very intrigued to start from the beginning and build something with really good people and in another country,” Brondello said. “This is Team Canada and I thought it would be very interesting and I'm up for any challenge.”

Brondello led the New York Liberty to the 2024 WNBA title.But her contract was not renewed after the team lost in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Brondello went 107-53 in four seasons with New York and had the most wins in franchise history. During her eight-year tenure, she also led the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA title in 2014 and a trip to the Finals in 2021.

“I've won a few championships… Obviously it's just a little different situation with a lot of players being free agents now,” she said. “Yes, we will be an expansion team, but I heard that the summer in Toronto will be special, so hopefully we can find some special players to represent the Temp.”