There hasn’t been any news regarding the negotiations between the WNBA and its players since they decided to pause free agency earlier this week. However, there is some activity happening within the WNBA, specifically in the coaching realm.
This past Wednesday, the Toronto Tempo announced the addition of two new assistant coaches to support head coach Sandy Brondello. Ciara Carle and Brian Lankton will be joining the Tempo’s inaugural coaching staff as the expansion team gears up for the 2026 WNBA season.
Both coaches have connections to Brondello and general manager Monica Wright-Rogers. Lankton arrives from New York, where he last worked as the player development coach and video coordinator for the Liberty. His previous roles include serving as a video coordinator for the Indiana G League team, the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, and with Team USA Basketball.
Meanwhile, Ciara Carle, who is coming from the Phoenix Mercury, will take on the role of Head Video Coordinator/Assistant Coach beginning in 2023. Carle also boasts a background in college coaching, with experience at the University of North Texas, San Diego State University, and Metropolitan State University of Denver.
It seems Lankton and Carle are transitioning from video coordinator positions to full assistant coaches, which is an exciting step as they embark on this journey with a new team. They’ll be guided by Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion, which could be invaluable for their development.
While it’s not officially confirmed yet, there are whispers that Olaf Lange, Brondello’s husband and head coach of the German women’s national team, might join the staff. Lange has a rich coaching background, having recently served as an assistant coach for the Liberty alongside Brondello and previously for the Chicago Sky.
Although the coaching situation for the Tempo appears to be settling, there are still no players to coach. The WNBA has yet to conduct an expansion draft for the Tempo and Portland Fire due to ongoing contract disputes, but preparations are ongoing for when they can finally expand their rosters.
