The New York Liberty announced that coach Sandy Brondello’s contract was not being renewed on Tuesday, four days after the defending champions were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

“It has been a privilege to have coached the NY Liberty these last four years,” Brondello said in a text message to The Associated Press. “Bringing the first ever championship to New York will always be the most amazing feeling. I wish the team and organization more success moving forward.”

Fans, meanwhile, have been divided. Social media lit up with clips of the brawl, some treating it as a sensational spectacle, others expressing deep concern about what it means for the league’s reputation. For a sport that has fought hard to grow its audience and showcase the athleticism and professionalism of its stars, this moment risks overshadowing the progress made in recent seasons.

The identity of the coach at the center of the storm has not yet been officially confirmed, though speculation is rampant. Analysts suggest the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching consequences — including suspensions, fines, and even potential termination. If the “get violent” directive is verified, it would represent one of the most serious breaches of conduct in league history.

This isn’t the first time intensity has boiled over in the WNBA. Rivalries are fierce, and physical play often defines the postseason. But what separates this incident is the perception that the escalation was orchestrated, rather than organic. For many, that distinction changes everything, raising questions about coaching ethics, league oversight, and the line between motivating players and endangering them.

Liberty brass considered nothing short of a championship to be a success this season, sources told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, and the team decided not to exercise its option to bring Brondello back.

“We would like to thank Sandy Brondello for her everlasting impact,” general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. “Sandy finishes her tenure in New York as the winningest coach in franchise history, and she took us to never-before-seen heights as the first head coach to lead the Liberty to a championship. We wish Sandy the very best in her next chapter.”

After leading the Liberty to their first WNBA championship last year, the team struggled with injuries to Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu. New York earned the No. 5 seed in the playoffs but lost its first-round series to the Phoenix Mercury in three games.

“She has our back, and we have hers,” Stewart said after Friday’s loss, when asked about Brondello staying on as coach. “It wasn’t easy for anybody, but she came in every day with a positive attitude and a mindset to put us in our best position possible. So we’re not going to be a team that points fingers.

“So we have Sandy’s back.”

Brondello was hired to coach the Liberty in December 2021 and went 107-53 in four seasons.

“Sandy did an amazing job this year of getting us through injuries, keeping us together, staying optimistic and positive,” guard Natasha Cloud said Friday. “Sandy is one of the winningest coaches in this f—ing league. Every player loves her so I’m holding Sandy’s back. She has my back. I think there should be a lot more respect and that can be said to our fans too.”

Brondello is expected to be considered a target for other head coaching vacancies throughout the league.

“I didn’t love it for Sandy, I’m gonna have to be honest,” Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon said Tuesday. “She’s just won a championship. She’s won in other places, and I know her to be a quality coach and a quality person. Those are rare sometimes to get that that mixture of qualities as a head coach.”

The WNBA has been rocked by chaos after a heated game spiraled out of control when a locker room speech allegedly leaked showing a head coach instructing players to “get violent.” The explosive revelation triggered a brawl on the court, multiple ejections, and a full-scale league investigation that has left fans, analysts, and players stunned.

The incident unfolded during a tense playoff clash, where emotions were already running high. According to reports, the game’s second half became unrecognizable as hard fouls escalated into open confrontations. What started as aggressive play turned into a melee, with players from both teams squaring up, benches clearing, and referees struggling to restore order. By the final buzzer, several stars had been ejected, coaches were warned, and the focus had shifted away from basketball to an ugly controversy shaking the league.

Hours later, the situation escalated when audio clips from the team’s locker room began circulating online. In the recordings, which have not yet been fully authenticated, the head coach can allegedly be heard urging players to “send a message” and “get violent.” The tone, described by insiders as fiery and aggressive, seemed to go far beyond the usual motivational intensity of playoff speeches. Critics argue that this directive directly incited the on-court chaos.

The league wasted no time responding. In a statement released overnight, the WNBA confirmed it had launched an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding both the leaked speech and the ensuing brawl. Officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining player safety, sportsmanship, and the integrity of the game, promising swift disciplinary action if misconduct is confirmed.

Players on both teams have been vocal since the incident. Some defended the physicality as part of playoff basketball, while others condemned what they felt was an intentional escalation that crossed the line. “We play tough, but this went too far,” one player admitted. Another, visibly shaken, told reporters, “It wasn’t basketball anymore — it was dangerous.”

The fallout is already being felt. Several players face disciplinary hearings after being ejected, and one team could be without key starters for the remainder of the series. Sponsors are also monitoring the situation closely, as the league navigates a delicate balance between capitalizing on heightened attention and mitigating reputational damage.

As the WNBA’s investigation continues, the stakes are sky-high. For the league, this is a defining moment — a chance to reaffirm its commitment to fair play and safety, or risk being remembered for one of the most explosive controversies in its history. For the coach at the center of it all, the leaked speech may be career-defining, for better or worse.

One thing is certain: the WNBA has never seen anything quite like this. A playoff battle turned spectacle, a locker room leak turned scandal, and an entire league left grappling with the fallout of a single, shocking message — “get violent.”