WNBA: Coaching changes, new coaches for Dallas, Toronto, and Portland

Bench Changes: Strategic Moves in the WNBA

After the 2025 season, the WNBA experiences a shake-up in its coaching staffs. Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and Seattle Storm have decided to change direction, leaving important vacancies for the 2026 season. With the league’s expansion and the arrival of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, the scenario is even more dynamic. The first strategic move was made by Portland Fire, who hired Alex Sarama, assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their new coach. Subsequently, Toronto Tempo announced the incorporation of Sandy Brondello, who had previously left the Liberty in September. Finally, the Dallas Wings completed their search by signing Jose Fernandez, coming from college basketball.

Dallas Wings: A New Chapter with Jose Fernandez

The Dallas Wings, following Chris Koclanes’ departure on September 30th, have chosen Jose Fernandez as their sixth coach since 2018. Fernandez, with a distinguished career in college basketball, arrives with the task of revitalizing a team that includes Paige Bueckers, the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2025, and a promising draft pick for 2026. Fernandez, with 25 years of experience at the University of South Florida, will seek to replicate the success of Karl Smesko with the Atlanta Dream, who achieved a 30-14 record last season. Koclanes’ management, marked by a 10-34 record, did not achieve the expected results, and now Fernandez will have the responsibility of guiding the Wings towards success.

Toronto Tempo: Sandy Brondello to Lead Expansion

The new WNBA franchise, Toronto Tempo, will have the experience of Sandy Brondello as coach. Brondello, with a long career in the league, including two championships and a record of 452-271, will bring credibility and knowledge to the expansion team.

Brondello, after his time with the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty, where he won the 2024 championship, has the mission of establishing the Tempo as Toronto and Canada’s team, leveraging his knowledge of international basketball.

Portland Fire: Alex Sarama and the Focus on Adaptability

Alex Sarama, coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, arrives at Portland Fire with an innovative proposal. Sarama is an expert in the “Constraints-Led Approach” (CLA), a training system that prioritizes adaptability and decision-making under pressure, seeking a different approach from the traditional one. Sarama, with experience in Europe, will have the opportunity to implement the CLA in an expansion team, working in collaboration with management to build a team according to this system.

New York Liberty: A Change of Course

After four seasons and the 2024 championship, the New York Liberty decided not to renew Sandy Brondello’s contract. Management is seeking innovation and an evolution for the team’s future. Brondello leaves the team as the winningest coach in franchise history.

Seattle Storm: Restructuring After a Difficult Season

Noelle Quinn, who took over as coach in 2021, left her position at Seattle Storm. Quinn, with a regular season record of 97-89 and four playoff appearances, failed to meet expectations after the arrival of Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike. Quinn’s departure comes after a season in which the team did not achieve the expected results, and now the challenge for his successor will be to improve the team’s offense.