Sandy Brondello's Toronto Tempo falls to New York Liberty in Commissioner’s Cup debut

Coach Sandy Brondello returned to the Barclays Center as the head coach of the Toronto Tempo, facing her former New York Liberty team in the first game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Liberty defeated the Tempo 97‑82, with Jonquel Jones posting a double‑double in the opening minutes and Breanna Stewart adding key scoring in the second half. Toronto built an early 20‑17 lead but could not sustain it, falling behind at halftime and never catching up. The game marked Brondello’s first appearance back in New York since leaving the Liberty after a championship season, highlighting her historic four‑year tenure that produced a 123‑64 record and the franchise’s first title.

The loss leaves the Tempo at 5‑5 overall while the Liberty improve to 6‑4. The Victory also advances the Liberty’s standing in the in‑season tournament that awards $500,000 to the championship winner and supports local non‑profit partners.