When Caitlin Clark traded for Sandy Brondello during the WNBA All-Star Draft, she made history. Not just any history, but the kind that gets remembered for decades. Clark became the first team captain to trade for a head coach, and Brondello became the first coach ever traded in an All-Star game. The twist? Clark won’t even be on the court to enjoy it.

How Will Sandy Brondello and Caitlin Clark Work Together on the Sidelines?

During a press conference leading up to the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, New York Liberty head coach Brondello expressed her gratitude to Indiana Fever superstar Clark for orchestrating the historic trade that brought them together.

sandy on caitlin trading for her:

“thank you, caitlin. i appreciate that—never been part of a trade, i hope not—i’m excited, it would have been nice, obviously, to coach caitlin, but i’m still gonna lean into her coaching ability as well and enjoy the whole experience.” pic.twitter.com/fUBeobZTFK

— cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 18, 2025

“Thank you, Caitlin,” Brondello shared with the media. “I appreciate that, never been part of a trade, I hope this is a coaching thing, hopefully that’s decided, I’m excited, it would have been nice, obviously, to coach Caitlin, but I’m still gonna lean into her coaching ability as well and enjoy the whole experience.”

The trade itself unfolded during the WNBA Countdown Show’s dramatic conclusion. When the rosters were finalized, Brondello became part of WNBA All-Star history after Clark traded Cheryl Reeve to bring the Liberty’s head coach to Team Clark.

“I got traded,” Brondello said directly after the trade. “My son hit me up. I’ve created history, this is awesome. I got traded as a coach. I get to coach Sabrina and Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis. We’ll go out there and have fun.”

What Does Clark’s Injury Mean for the All-Star Game?

Clark, who served as team captain for Team Clark and orchestrated the trade for Brondello, will miss the All-Star game due to a re-aggravated groin injury. The injury occurred in the final minutes of the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun, forcing the superstar to watch from the sidelines.

sandy on caitlin being out for the all star game:

“unfortunate about caitlin going into this game, but she’s gonna still have a great impact on this team. i will give the coaching hat to her as much as she wants to be quite honest. we’re gonna play around with it a little bit.” pic.twitter.com/tvhpi2seR5

— cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 18, 2025

Despite the setback, Brondello sees an opportunity in the situation. The Liberty coach revealed that Clark will still play a significant role in the team’s strategy, even from the bench.

“It’s unfortunate about Caitlin going into this game, but she’s still going to have a great impact on this team,” Brondello said. “I will give the coaching hat to her as much as she wants, to be quite honest. We’re gonna play around with it a little bit.”

This unique arrangement means fans will witness something rarely seen in professional sports: a player serving as a co-coach alongside the official head coach. With Clark’s energy and basketball IQ directing strategy from the sidelines, the All-Star game promises to deliver memorable moments far beyond the final score.