BREAKING: New York Liberty LOSE Another Key Coach as Sonia Raman Joins Seattle Storm!

The New York Liberty are facing another major shake-up this offseason — assistant coach Sonia Raman has officially accepted the head coaching job with the Seattle Storm, marking yet another loss for a Liberty team already navigating internal restructuring.

League insiders confirmed the move early Saturday morning, noting that Raman’s deal with Seattle was finalized late last night. Raman, who joined New York’s staff in 2022, played a vital role in developing the team’s defensive schemes and player growth — particularly mentoring guards Sabrina Ionescu and Marine Johannès.

Her exit comes just weeks after Liberty associate coach Shelley Patterson announced her departure, raising questions about the franchise’s long-term stability under head coach Sandy Brondello. Raman’s leadership and analytical approach made her one of the most respected minds in the league, and Seattle wasted no time seizing the opportunity.

In her first statement as Storm head coach, Raman said:

“Seattle represents excellence and history. I’m honored to continue that legacy and lead this next chapter with discipline, intelligence, and heart.”

Seattle’s front office emphasized that Raman’s hiring signals a renewed focus on rebuilding through strategy and culture, as the franchise continues to transition from its Sue Bird–Breanna Stewart era. Raman’s background — including her stint as head coach at MIT and assistant role with the Memphis Grizzlies — gives the Storm a unique blend of data-driven precision and player-centered coaching.

Meanwhile, the Liberty will now be forced to fill a critical void on their staff at a time when chemistry and cohesion are more important than ever. With championship expectations still high, fans are wondering whether this offseason turbulence could impact their 2026 campaign.

One league executive summed it up bluntly:

“Losing Sonia Raman isn’t just losing an assistant — it’s losing one of the brightest minds in basketball.”

All eyes now turn to how the Liberty will respond — and whether this latest coaching departure could reshape the balance of power in the WNBA heading into next season.