Monica Wright Rogers beamed with excitement as she introduced Sandy Brondello as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo at a press conference in downtown Toronto. Wright Rogers expressed her eagerness to leverage this moment by attracting top free agents to the team with a coach of Brondello’s caliber.
Brondello, a seasoned figure in the WNBA with 27 years of experience as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, boasts an impressive record, having clinched WNBA championships with the Mercury in 2014 and the Liberty in 2024. Her reputation as a player’s coach has garnered praise from both players and coaches, positioning her as a strong leader for the expansion team in Canada.
With the goal of bringing a championship to Toronto, Brondello emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation and fostering a winning culture. The Tempo’s timing is strategic as the upcoming U.S. media deal and the collective bargaining agreement expiration create a promising landscape for attracting top-tier talent in free agency.
Wright Rogers highlighted Toronto as a prime city for a sports team, emphasizing the supportive environment for players and staff. Despite uncertainties surrounding the league’s future, the Tempo remains focused on their vision of creating a competitive and successful franchise under Brondello’s guidance.
As the Tempo prepares for their debut season, Brondello’s wealth of experience and winning mentality set the tone for a team aiming to establish itself as a powerhouse in professional women’s basketball. Her ultimate aspiration is to elevate the Tempo into a world-class franchise and secure championships, adding to her impressive legacy in the WNBA.