Fire department in Portland welcomes new leader: Vanja Černivec assumes the role of General Manager.

Portland Fire Prepares for Inaugural Season with New General Manager

The Portland Fire, a new expansion franchise in the WNBA, is gearing up for its first season with Vanja Cernivec at the helm as General Manager. Cernivec, who joins the Fire from the Golden State Valkyries where she served as Vice President of Basketball Operations, was officially appointed to the position in 2024.

Cernivec brings a wealth of international experience to the table, having served as Technical Director for Basketball Without Borders camps of the NBA Academy Women's Program. Her focus will now shift to constructing a roster for the Portland Fire, a task that will involve the expansion draft, free agency, and the WNBA Draft, depending on the outcome of the CBA negotiations.

The head coaching position is another priority for Cernivec. She is on the lookout for a strong leader with a high basketball IQ, who will create an environment where players are encouraged to be problem solvers, not one who will give all the solutions.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries, under head coach Natalie Nakase, are continuing their playoff push in their inaugural season.

The original WNBA team that operated from 2000 to 2002 became defunct, but the Portland Fire has been reborn. Interim President Claire Hamill stated that over 13,000 ticket reservations have already been deposited, showing a strong commitment from the fans.

Hamill, who is committed to the Portland Fire for the long term, as shown by her tattoo, expressed satisfaction with the team's progress. According to her, the Portland Fire is exactly where they need to be compared to six weeks ago.

The practice facility for the Portland Fire is in "open phases" and will be ready by the start of the NWSL's Portland Thorns' season. The Fire is expected to play at the Moda Center at the beginning of the 2026 season.

The Portland Fire was introduced to the public on a historic day, as Cernivec was unveiled as the first general manager in franchise history. The team is eager to make its mark on the WNBA, and with Cernivec's expertise and the support of Hamill, they are well on their way.

Fire department in Portland welcomes new leader: Vanja Černivec assumes the role of General Manager.