Portland Fire GM discusses building WNBA expansion team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Vanja Černivec spoke with Dan Roberts of Front Office Sports about constructing the Portland Fire roster amid challenges posed by the current CBA. She emphasized the importance of creating a team identity distinct from the Valkyries. Černivec highlighted Portland's rising status in women's sports and the significance of an international player pipeline. The Fire are focused on a playoff push in their inaugural season, navigating constraints in coaching and roster assembly.
- •Vanja Černivec leads roster construction for the Portland Fire.
- •Emphasis on avoiding a copycat approach to the Valkyries model.
- •Focus on building a strong team identity in Year 1.
- •Portland seen as an emerging hub for women's sports.
- •International player pipeline plays a key role in team strategy.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Building the Portland Fire
"Portland Fire GM on building a WNBA expansion team, the Valkyries model, and making the playoffs in year one.
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