Former Sparks Coach Hired By Toronto Tempo

A former Sparks coach will lead the WNBA's newest expansion franchise in 2026.

Aug 12, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Azura Stevens (23, right) chats with New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello (left) before the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Toronto Tempo are reportedly hiring Sandy Brondello as the expansion franchise's first head coach, ahead of their inaugural WNBA season in 2026, per a Wednesday announcement by Title IX Sports' Howard Megdal.

Read more: Sparks' Rickea Jackson Talks Mindset Playing Through Injury, Calls Out Opponents 

Brondello previously spent four seasons at the helm of the New York Liberty, winning a WNBA championship in 2024 before parting ways with the team following the 2025 season.

BREAKING: Per @howardmegdal, Sandy Brondello will be the first coach of the expansion Toronto Tempo.https://t.co/xXCVjlmWqE

— The IX Basketball (@TheIXBasketball) October 22, 2025

Furthermore, before spending eight seasons as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury from 2014-2021, prior to her time in New York, Brondello was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.

She joined the Sparks coaching staff alongside Joe "Jellybean" Bryant — Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's father — in 2011. Brondello was on the L.A. sidelines until 2013.

"I'm excited to continue my coaching career in the WNBA, and particularly excited to work with the team that Penny [Toler] and Jennifer [Gillom] have assembled here in Los Angeles," Brondello said in a 2011 statement after accepting the Sparks' role.

The Liberty, under Brondello, were 1-2 in games against the Sparks in 2025.

Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson combined for 44 PTS to lead the @LASparks to the last-second victory over the Liberty 🌟

K. Plum: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 8 AST, 3 3PM
R. Jackson: 24 PTS, 3 REB, 4 3PM, GAME WINNER#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/IIMoePhjG9

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2025

Read more: Former Sparks Guard Signed By Fever Amid Caitlin Clark's Absence   

L.A.'s sole win over New York this year came in a 101-99 road thriller on July 26, in which Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum scored 24 and 20 points, respectively.

The Sparks, in their first season under first-year coach Lynne Roberts and Plum — acquired via a blockbuster three-team trade in January — finished with a 21-23 record, just narrowly missing out on the WNBA postseason.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Sparks, visit Los Angeles Sparks on SI.