The year 2026 will undoubtedly bring new surprises, but expectations are high for the two new WNBA expansion teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
Both have already begun preparations for their launch next season, and Fire confirmed that Alex Sarama will join the former as head coach. And fans have weighed in on the matter.
Portland confirms its head coach for 2026
The former assistant coach of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and Director of Player Development will be in charge of guiding the Fire through his popular CLA (Constraints-Led Approach) system. In fact, the coach, originally from Guildford, England, wrote a book about this movement called “Transforming Basketball,” which not only positions him as a leader in the field, but has also reached more than 40 countries and made him a consultant to numerous international federations and organizations.
The team announced Sarama’s arrival in Portland last Friday on its official X account, where Sarama highlighted this opportunity to start from scratch with a team and how he plans to impact the Fire: “The opportunity to build something from the ground up is unique,” Alex explained. “At the Fire, we’re not just creating a team – we’re redefining how the game is taught and played, through an approach centered around adaptability and supported by evidence-informed methodologies. We want to create a new standard for the game… Fans can expect a dynamic, up-tempo style of play,” said the new coach.
This confirmation comes after Sarama’s hiring was previously leaked on LinkedIn and fans showed their support: “We welcomed him yesterday too, but yes, welcome!” joked one of them. “Welcome Coach, very excited for PDX and the Fire. Love the international connection and up-tempo style approach. ALL IN!!!” wrote another follower. “The GOAT,” commented a third fan.
However, others did not hide their dissatisfaction with this decision: “Were TSpoon, Lisa Leslie, Noelle Quinn, and Sandy Brondello unavailable?” asked one of them. “Really sad in a women’s league you aren’t giving opportunities to WOMEN! Many out there who can coach! Do better @WNBA,” commented another. “Oh hey, a white dude with no head coaching experience, what a surprise,” wrote another user sarcastically.
Meanwhile, Alex arrives after spending 15 months in Cleveland. Previously, he belonged to Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ affiliate team in the G League, serving as assistant coach and director of player development.
Now, he joins Nate Tibbets of the Phoenix Mercury, Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces, and Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries as one of the NBA assistant coaches who became head coaches in the WNBA.
On the other hand, Toronto Tempo has not yet confirmed who will fill the head coach position. In addition, the league is expected to continue to grow with Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), bringing the WNBA to 18 teams.
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