The New York Liberty have made headlines by hiring Chris DeMarco as their new head coach. DeMarco, who spent several years as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, is known for his impressive coaching skills. Since joining the Warriors in 2012, he has contributed to the team’s success, helping them secure four NBA championships. He also leads the Bahamian men’s national team.
DeMarco’s work focused heavily on player development and defense. He played a vital role in improving players like Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole during their careers.
As the Liberty searched for a new coach, they considered several candidates, including Will Weaver and Kristi Toliver. This offseason, five WNBA teams made coaching changes, with several selecting coaches with NBA experience. Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized the importance of this decision. “We need to nail this,” he stated, highlighting the need for a strong vision moving forward.
Last season, the Liberty won their first WNBA championship in 2024 and started 2025 with a perfect 9-0 record. However, injuries to key players like Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart led to a disappointing early exit in the playoffs.
Sandy Brondello, DeMarco’s predecessor, departed after four seasons. She mentioned that the team’s direction didn’t align with her vision. She has recently taken a position as the head coach for the Toronto Tempo, an expansion team.
Looking ahead, most of the Liberty’s roster is set to hit free agency. Currently, only veterans Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract. Kolb remains optimistic that stars like Stewart and Jones will return for the 2026 season.
A study by Statista reveals that women’s sports viewership is on the rise, with the WNBA attracting a growing audience. The New York Liberty’s efforts to find innovative coaching could be key to sustaining this momentum and remaining competitive in the league.
For more insights into the changing landscape of women’s sports, check out this report from the Women’s Sports Foundation.
