Tempo coach Brondello named to Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s class of 2027

KNOXVILLE — Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was named Thursday as a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s class of 2027.

Brondello is a two-time WNBA championship coach with Phoenix and New York who also led the Australian Opals to Olympic bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.

Brondello was officially named the first head coach of the Tempo on Nov. 4, 2025, after her contract was not renewed by the Liberty.

After a promising start, the Tempo finished their inaugural season 11-33, ending with eight straight losses and only one win in their final 21 games.

But there were positives, including strong attendance and the rise of breakout star guard Marina Mabrey.

The hall of fame class also includes Diana Taurasi, who retired on Feb. 25, 2025, as the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and its only player with more than 10,000 points.

Three-time WNBA coach of the year Mike Thibault, official Dee Kantner, builder Dr. Judith Holland and former World Basketball League star Molly Bolin Kazmer are the other members.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for June 26, 2027, in Knoxville, Tenn.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press