Angel Reese accepted Australian coach Sandy Brondello's apology after the WNBA suspended Brondello for calling Reese a "protected species" during a game, a comment Reese found derogatory due to its US connotations.
Angel Reese accepted Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello's apology after Brondello was suspended one game by the WNBA for calling Reese a "protected species." Brondello explained the comment was a common Australian sports phrase but acknowledged its derogatory interpretation in the US, expressing regret.
WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for one game due to an "inappropriate comment" made during a game against the Atlanta Dream. Brondello apologized for calling Angel Reese a "protected species," acknowledging the phrase's different impact in the US, especially for Black women.
WNBA coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the league for using an "inappropriate comment" during a game. The comment, directed at player Angel Reese, was "protected species," which Brondello later apologized for, acknowledging its derogatory implications in the US.
WNBA coaches face scrutiny for publicly criticizing their teams. While it can motivate, it also risks backlash. Coaches must weigh the temperament of their roster, potential media fallout, trust-building, and job security before speaking negatively to the press.
From the Dallas Wings’ big moves to the most valuable team, here’s what we’ll be watching as the 2026 campaign begins on FridaySign up to get WNBA 30 in your inbox every TuesdayI’ve been obsessed with basketball for as long as I can remember (and have played it since I was five). Now, I cover the sport full-time. I co-wrote a book on the history of women’s hoops, Court Queens, and host the Audacy podcast The Women’s Hoops Show. I grew up a Sacramento Monarchs fan, and proudly own the signature sneakers of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson. (Angel Reese, you’re next.) The WNBA is celebrating its historic 30th season this year, and I’ll be here every Tuesday covering the past, present and future of the game in this newsletter. Think of it as my exclusive WNBA diary, filling you in on the 4-1-1 of my favorite league. I can’t wait.As someone who celebrated my 30th birthday ahead of the league (not telling how long ahead), I can confidently say it’s a big deal. I, too, aimed to make more money and prioritize stability over hustle; WNBA players have signed million-dollar contracts for the first time, thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement. Some players, such as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, saw a 1,389% pay increase ($75,556 to $1.1m in her new three-year deal). In your 30s, you truly know your worth and come into your own. It’s fun to see the league mirror that, too. Continue reading...
The Atlanta Dream have assembled what they believe is a championship-contending roster by re-signing their five core players and acquiring Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in exchange for two future first-round picks. The team, which lost to the Indiana Fever in the first round of last year's playoffs, returned all five starters—Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones—on multiyear deals worth at least $1 million each. Reese, a two-time WNBA rebounding champion, sees the move as the next step in her career and believes the Dream's culture and coaching will help her reach her full potential.
Angel Reese has been traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two future first-round picks, joining a team that re-signed all five of its core players during free agency. The Dream, who lost to the Indiana Fever in the first round of last year's playoffs, believe Reese is the missing piece to take them from playoff team to title contender. Reese, a two-time WNBA rebounding leader, expressed excitement about joining an organization she says has a championship culture.
The Atlanta Dream have acquired Angel Reese in a trade and re-signed their core five players, signaling strong championship aspirations. Reese expressed her desire to be in Atlanta, while the team views her as the missing piece for a title run.
