Alex Sarama, Cavs Assistant, Will Lead New WNBA Portland Fire Team

Alex Sarama Will Lead the New WNBA Team in Portland

The Portland Fire have announced Alex Sarama, assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the head coach of their new team in the WNBA. This appointment marks the beginning of a new stage for the franchise, which seeks to establish itself in the league with an innovative proposal. Sarama is recognized for its focus on a cutting-edge training system, which has gained popularity in European basketball and is gaining ground in the NBA. Players like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and coaches like Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers are proponents of this methodology.

Having the opportunity to implement CLA (Constraints-Led Approach) principles with an expansion team is an ideal scenario.

Alex Sarama

Sarama explained that the CLA approach will allow her to work in perfect harmony with the team, impacting each department and fostering a unified approach. The team’s general manager, Vanja Černivec, who joins the Fire after her time with the Golden State Valkyries, highlights Sarama’s understanding of the game and his ability to innovate. Černivec met Sarama years ago at the NBA office in Madrid, being impressed by his intellect and passion for basketball.

For me, he was a genius.

Vanja Černivec

Sarama, in addition to his experience in the NBA, has successfully coached teams like the London Lions and Paris Basketball. His reputation grew after the publication of his book “Transforming Basketball” in 2024. The CLA approach focuses on adaptability, improvisation, and decision-making, rather than predetermined movement patterns and exercises. Sarama implements games with variable constraints to challenge players and foster their responsiveness. Sarama has mentioned that players have shown great acceptance of this method, valuing the novelty and dynamism it offers compared to traditional training. The incorporation of NBA coaches into the WNBA is a growing trend. The Fire hopes to replicate the success of teams like the Phoenix Mercury, who have had success with personnel from the NBA. Sarama and the Cavaliers are defining the details of their departure from Cleveland to take the full-time position in Portland. The team is expected to start competing in May 2026.