The Liberty, a founding team of the WNBA, waited 28 years before securing their first WNBA Championship Trophy. The team’s success is largely credited to general manager Jonathan Kolb, who with the innovative leadership of owners Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, has elevated the Liberty through strategic organizational and roster moves.
Some decisions were daring while others more subtle, all aimed at maintaining the franchise’s competitiveness amid the league’s rapid expansion. Since Kolb’s arrival in March 2019, key moments have defined his leadership.
The most surprising move was firing coach Sandy Brondello just 11 months and three days after her arrival, despite her leading the team to its inaugural championship in an overtime Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx. Kolb emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving WNBA by making this bold change, which shocked many, especially after players showed their support for Brondello following a first-round playoff exit. Kolb later appointed Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco after a two-month search.
In the 2023 offseason, the Liberty established themselves as a WNBA superteam by signing free agents Brianna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot, plus acquiring Jonquel Jones through a three-team trade. Joining stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Bethonia Rainey-Hamilton, the revamped lineup posted a franchise-best 32-8 record, with Stewart earning her second MVP. However, their championship run fell short with a 3-1 Finals loss to the Las Vegas Aces led by A’ja Wilson.
Among the lesser-heralded moves was acquiring Kayla Thornton, initially seen as a minor part of the trade bringing Jones to Brooklyn. Thornton emerged as a versatile and dependable contributor, playing all 40 regular-season games in 2023 and starting 11 in 2024 amid injuries. Her three-point shooting peaked at 35.7%, but after winning a championship, she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2024 expansion draft, where she excelled before a knee surgery cut her All-Star season short.
Another under-the-radar acquisition was Leoni Fievic, brought in during a four-team deal in 2023 involving key players like Michaela Onyenwere and Diamond DeShields. Although largely playing overseas before joining the Liberty, Fievic is recognized as a fierce defender with strong three-point shooting. She has been a consistent presence in the coaching strategies of both Brondello and DeMarco.
Fan Take: Jonathan Kolb’s transformative management has reshaped the Liberty into a powerhouse, highlighting how smart front-office moves and embracing change can drive success. For WNBA fans, this signals an exciting era of heightened competition and dynamic team-building that could elevate the league’s visibility and growth even further.
