Vanja Cernivec appointed as Portland Fire's new general manager
Portland Fire Preparing for Rebirth in the WNBA
The Portland Fire, a newly reborn expansion franchise, is gearing up for its debut in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 2026. Vanja Cernivec, a seasoned basketball executive, has been appointed as the first general manager in the team's history.
Cernivec, who previously served as Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Golden State Valkyries, will assume her role on September 15, 2025. Her extensive experience includes a stint as the first female international scout for the Chicago Bulls from 2020 to 2022, and as a technical director for Basketball Without Borders camps of the NBA Academy Women's Program.
One of Cernivec's key priorities is finding the right head coach for the Portland Fire. She is looking for a coach with strong leadership and a high basketball IQ, who can build an environment where players are encouraged to be problem solvers and empowered to make decisions on their own.
The Portland Fire has already received over 13,000 ticket reservations, indicating a strong fan base eager to support the team. The Moda Center will be the team's home court at the beginning of the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations are uncertain, with the deadline set for October 31. If the negotiations are not completed by then, the Portland Fire expansion draft, free agency, and the WNBA Draft may be affected. In such a scenario, Cernivec and her team will have to pivot and be ready for the unknown.
Golden State, under head coach Natalie Nakase, currently ranks seventh in the WNBA standings and leads the league in attendance. This success underscores the potential for the Portland Fire, as they embark on their journey in the WNBA.
Cernivec emphasizes the importance of finding the right culture and identity for a team. She believes that this will be crucial in establishing the Portland Fire as a formidable force in the WNBA. Local talent, such as Portland native Hamill, has expressed her commitment to the team, stating she is "all in" for the long haul.
The Portland Fire's practice facility is in "open phases" and will be ready by the start of the NWSL's Portland Thorns' season. This will provide the team with a solid foundation as they prepare for their first season in the WNBA.
As the Portland Fire prepares for its rebirth, the focus is on building a strong team both on and off the court. With Vanja Cernivec at the helm, the Portland Fire is poised to make a significant impact in the WNBA.
