Imagine snubbing a bigger paycheck just to chase a coaching dream with the perfect team fit – that's the bold move WNBA legend Sandy Brondello made this season, and it might just redefine what success looks like in women's basketball! As a two-time championship-winning coach, Brondello found herself in an unexpected free agency situation after the New York Liberty dismissed her in September, barely a year after guiding the team to its inaugural title. But here's where it gets intriguing: instead of just cashing in, she prioritized passion and potential over plain profit.
Once available on the market, Brondello drew interest from every WNBA franchise with an open head coaching position. The Dallas Wings quickly made a change, parting ways with first-year coach Chris Koclanes shortly after Brondello hit the scene. Ultimately, she fielded offers from the Dallas Wings, the Seattle Storm, and the Toronto Tempo, as confirmed by several reliable sources. Just like star players navigating free agency, Brondello had to weigh her top priorities – for some, it's all about the location; for others, the lure of big money; and then there are those who focus solely on team chemistry and the thrill of victory.
In Brondello's case, she leaned into the third path. Even though she received a more financially rewarding offer from another WNBA team, per multiple sources, she chose the Tempo gig because of the strong synergy she sensed with the team's front office. 'This is the place I wanted to be,' Brondello shared in a Tuesday interview. 'To build a team from the ground up, that really excited me.' For beginners in the WNBA world, this means she's not just taking a job – she's embarking on a creative project, shaping a roster from scratch, which can be both thrilling and challenging, much like a painter starting with a blank canvas.
While the precise details of Brondello's contract remain undisclosed due to team policy, insiders from Front Office Sports reveal she's locked into a multi-year agreement with annual earnings in the seven-figure range. This vaults her into the elite tier of WNBA coaches, alongside Phoenix Mercury's Nate Tibbetts and Las Vegas Aces' Becky Hammon, the only three known to command at least $1 million yearly. To put this in perspective, Tibbetts reportedly topped the league's pay scale in 2025 with a salary surpassing the million-dollar mark. Hammon, hired in 2022, broke barriers as the first coach to hit that $1 million threshold, a fact confirmed by owner Mark Davis at the time. Under her leadership, the Aces have clinched three WNBA championships in just four years, showcasing how top talent and vision can transform a franchise.
Davis hinted at Hammon's top-earning status in October, right after the Aces dominated the Mercury in the Finals. When pressed on whether it was time to boost Hammon to the absolute highest pay in the league, Davis kept it playful: 'Oh, she’s not?' he quipped, calling her 'unbelievable.' This lighthearted exchange underscores the growing recognition of coaching prowess in women's sports, but it also sparks debate: are these salaries equitable, or should more coaches be rewarded similarly?
As for the WNBA's coaching carousel, four of the five vacancies are now filled, leaving the Liberty as the last team searching. The Seattle Storm brought on former Liberty assistant Sonia Raman, whose multi-year deal reportedly starts in the high six figures, with bonuses potentially pushing it over $1 million – a smart investment in experienced talent. The Portland Fire opted for NBA assistant Alex Sarama, bringing fresh perspectives from the men's league, while the Dallas Wings turned to longtime college coach Jose Fernandez, marking their fourth head coach in five seasons.
But here's the part most people miss: in a league where finances are tight and scrutiny is high, Brondello's choice flips the script on traditional career moves. Is prioritizing team synergy over salary a sign of wisdom, or is it a risky gamble that could backfire? And this is where it gets controversial – some might argue that coaches like Brondello are undervaluing themselves in a sport hungry for parity, while others see it as a pure pursuit of legacy. What do you think: should money always win out, or does the thrill of building something special outweigh the paycheck? Do you agree with Brondello's decision, or would you have taken the bigger offer? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear your take!
