Following Sandy Brondello’s exit, many online discussions have emerged about what it means for the future of the Liberty, especially concerning stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones.
General Manager Jonathan Kolb attempted to quell some of those concerns recently.
“I believe they want to return,” Kolb stated regarding the trio.
Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones have indicated plans for 2026, but they’re navigating some changes in the team.
This past offseason was significant for the Liberty, especially after their early playoff exit following a championship win in 2024. Brondello’s departure was the first sign of a shift, though Kolb pointed out that it was not purely based on the team’s performance this season.
He mentioned that the Liberty has a “great opportunity” ahead, particularly with uncertainties surrounding the collective bargaining agreement, which still leaves many questions about roster size and salary cap.
With the majority of league players entering free agency, Kolb suggested this offseason could be a pivotal moment for many franchises.
“This is likely a rare opportunity,” he said. “I’m not sure how long contracts will be, but in the next few weeks, the future of the WNBA will unfold.”
As they move forward, the Liberty is expected to focus on enhancing their lineup.
However, finding the right coach to steer the team in a new direction is priority number one for Kolb.
Despite the team’s challenges, Kolb doesn’t view the past year as a failure.
He remarked, “After our Game 3 against Phoenix, I reaffirmed that we need to learn from this experience.”
He noted the numerous ways their opponents exploited weaknesses throughout the season.
It was evident that the Liberty struggled against physical teams, with play often stalling and the ball getting stuck.
Issues with defense and rebounding were particularly concerning. The Liberty dropped to seventh in rebounding from their top position the previous year, and their defensive efficiency fell from a top-three ranking to sixth.
Additionally, losing Vietniya Rainey Hamilton for the season due to a knee injury has been a significant blow. The team hopes to see her back next year.
Kolb is also contemplating whether other changes are necessary within the organization.
“We want to return to our former glory,” he noted.
The next coach will need a flexible strategy and should be ready to adapt to in-game situations. Kolb acknowledged that the style of play in the WNBA may shift to reflect trends seen in the NBA in recent years.
Some teams, like the Valkyries, Mystics, and Mercury, are embracing new styles and catching their opponents off guard.
“The game is evolving quickly,” Kolb observed. “It doesn’t even seem like the same league from 2023. The shift in basketball styles is evident on both sides of the court. We need to ensure that our decisions consider both immediate needs and the overall build of the team.”
Nyara Sabally will not participate in the offseason to address her knee problems, according to Kolb.
Despite limited play, Sabally made an impact during her time on the court, especially in the finals.
However, she struggled with her knee throughout the season, playing only 17 games and missing most after the All-Star break.
Colb remarked, “We had high hopes for her this season, but her body just wouldn’t cooperate.”
Sabally recorded a career-high average of 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds over limited appearances.
Leonie Fiebich also faced setbacks, having broken a rib during Game 3 of the first-round series. The injury came after an accidental collision.
Kolb shared that he worried initially but was relieved when Fiebich confirmed she was okay before undergoing an X-ray.
Watching the game while awaiting news, Kolb remembered feeling anxious when he heard the words he feared. But soon after, he saw Fiebich return to the court.
She completed the game with a respectable contribution.
Overall, Fiebich made notable strides in her second year, stepping into a starting role during the playoffs.
For the second consecutive season, she demonstrated impressive shooting efficiency, averaging 8.7 points with a shooting percentage of nearly 49% from the field.
