The Portland Fire WNBA expansion team has hired Vanja Černivec as its general manager. The club released an official announcement on Monday.
Černivec was the vice president of basketball operations for the Golden State Valkyries, so she has obvious experience in launching a WNBA expansion team. She had a role in the hiring of coaches and operational staff for the team and led the scouting department during the 2024 expansion and WNBA drafts.
The Valkyries have been a success in their inaugural season, compiling a 19-18 record as of Monday that ranks them as the No. 7 seed in the WNBA standings and in line for a playoff spot.
Today we are excited to announce Vanja Černivec as the General Manager of the Portland Fire.
“I am honored to join the Fire with a vision to build the most innovative and groundbreaking team in women’s basketball.” – Černivec#Rebornpic.twitter.com/taqSbwc2Ot
— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) August 25, 2025
This story will be updated with more information.