Alex Sarama, new coach of the WNBA expansion team in Portland
The Portland Fire have announced Alex Sarama as their head coach for the inaugural season in the WNBA. Sarama, who currently serves as an assistant for the Cleveland Cavaliers, will take on this new role with the expansion franchise, according to sources close to the situation. Sarama is recognized as an expert in an innovative training system that has gained popularity in European basketball, soccer, and, increasingly, in the NBA. This approach, known as CLA (Constraints-Led Approach), has captured the attention of figures like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and coaches like Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers.The CLA methodology focuses on adaptability, improvisation, and decision-making, rather than predefined movement patterns and exercises. Sarama will implement small-sided games with different restrictions, such as rule changes, score modifications, or time limits, to force players to make decisions under pressure. The Fire’s general manager, Vanja Černivec, who previously worked at the Golden State Valkyries, highlights the importance of this innovative approach and the opportunity to build a team from scratch, which facilitates the implementation of the CLA system. Černivec met Sarama years ago and was impressed by her intellect and passion for training. Sarama has had successful experiences as a coach with the London Lions, Paris Basketball, and RipCity Remix. His renown grew after the publication of his book “Transforming Basketball” in 2024. Atkinson, after reading the book, brought him on as a player development coach for the Cavaliers. Sarama and the Cavaliers are discussing when she will leave Cleveland to start full-time in Portland. The WNBA collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31, and it is still unknown how negotiations on the new agreement will affect the expansion draft and free agency. For now, she will remain in Cleveland, but hopes to start soon in Portland, which will begin its participation in May 2026.“Having the opportunity to implement CLA principles with an expansion team is an ideal scenario, because we can hire people who fit the new system and not have to unlearn a previous system,” Sarama said.
Alex Sarama
