Sandy Brondello is taking her championship pedigree north of the border. The veteran coach has agreed to become the first head coach of the WNBA’s expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo, a source confirmed to Roundtable. The team is expected to officially announce the hiring in the coming days once a contract is finalized.

Brondello, 57, brings instant credibility to the WNBA’s first international franchise. A former All-Star and two-time WNBA champion coach, she has spent more than two decades shaping the league’s competitive landscape both on the sideline and as a player.

The Tempo, set to begin play in 2026, will host games at Toronto’s Coca Cola Coliseum while also staging two regular-season contests each in Montreal and Vancouver.

Brondello chose Toronto after drawing interest from multiple organizations. Her hiring leaves head-coaching vacancies only with the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and New York Liberty.

The Australian native’s coaching résumé is among the most accomplished in league history. Over 13 seasons as a head coach, she has compiled a 452-271 regular-season record and guided her teams to consistent postseason success. Brondello led the Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA title in 2014 and captured another championship a decade later with the Liberty in 2024.

Her tenure with New York ended after a surprising first-round playoff exit this past season. Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb described the move as a step toward “evolution and innovation,” not a reflection of her performance.

Brondello’s coaching journey began after a standout playing career that included five WNBA seasons and an All-Star selection in 1999. Internationally, she has been a fixture for the Australian Opals, representing her country as both player and coach since the 1980s. She most recently guided Australia to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Brondello’s reputation for building cohesive, disciplined teams has made her one of the most respected figures in the sport. Her hiring signals Toronto’s intention to compete immediately in its inaugural season while establishing a foundation rooted in professionalism and experience.

A person familiar with the team’s planning said the Tempo valued Brondello’s ability to connect with players and her deep understanding of the international game, qualities that align with the franchise’s goal of representing all of Canada.

Brondello’s arrival also carries symbolic weight for the WNBA’s expansion era. The Tempo will debut alongside the Portland Fire in 2026, marking the league’s first expansion since 2008 and its first venture beyond the United States.

Toronto’s ownership group is betting on Brondello’s steady leadership to steer the new franchise through its formative years. Her global ties and track record of success provide the kind of foundation every expansion team hopes for.

As one league source put it, Toronto didn’t just hire a coach—it hired a cornerstone.