Uncertainty still looms over the 2026 WNBA season, yet the teams are showing a positive attitude and approach towards building their rosters and staff for the same. In mid-October, the Portland Fire appointed Alex Sarama as the franchise’s first head coach. Now they have added some support to the former NBA coach with an NBA-level assistant coach, Brittni Donaldson.
The expansion team announced the appointment and added the assistant general manager responsibility to the experienced Donaldson.
Portland Fire Appoints Brittni Donaldson As Assistant Coach
With the growing appeal of the WNBA, even the expansion teams are looking to make an immediate impact on the league. The Golden State Valkyries set a record in their inaugural season, advancing to the playoffs. The 2026 entrants, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, are also seeking to achieve the same goal.
The Toronto team created a huge buzz with the announcement of Sandy Brondello’s appointment, while the Fire took a different approach, adding some NBA-experienced staff ahead of the 2026 season. The franchise recently added Brittni Donaldson as its assistant coach and assistant general manager.
Brittni Donaldson has been named Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Portland Fire.
— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) November 24, 2025
Donaldson joins the Fire after nearly a decade of coaching and front-office experience. Most recently, she was with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and was a member of the Toronto… pic.twitter.com/LJZn4zxgpz
Brittni Donaldson worked with the Raptors, Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks in the NBA and held various positions in the organizations.
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HC Alex Sarama lauded the appointment and said, “We are redefining traditional staffing structures to achieve our goal of being on the cutting edge of professional sports. Brittni will play an integral part within this new model, which is centered around a coaching staff that is entirely collaborative and deeply committed to evidence-based development. Brittni is one of the sharpest minds in the game. She blends world-class analytical expertise with an athlete-centered coaching philosophy. She will play a key role in bringing the Fire strategy to life.”
In October, Portland Fire appointed WNBA Star Ashley Battle as vice President and now completes its coaching staff with NBA experience. Such decisions highlight the team’s emphasis on experience for the debut season. Although the back office is set and the franchise is aiming for a positive start to the season, the side undoubtedly has a slight advantage in terms of recruitment.
Portland Fire With Unique Advantage In Its Debut Season
The WNBA lottery draft puts the Portland Fire at the sixth or seventh position (depending on a coin toss with the Toronto Tempo). Given the rich talent pool in the 2026 WNBA draft class, the franchise would take either position. Moreover, the team is fortunate with the quality of free agency.
Multiple champions and All-Stars are already available in free agency and could move to the expansion team with a chance to become a franchise player. Additionally, the expansion draft could occur within the next month or in January, pending confirmation of the CBA. Following the new CBA rules reports, teams will be allowed to retain only five players this season, which will enable the expansion teams to target better players in the draft.
Although the Portland WNBA franchise has nailed its back office staffing, it also has a similar opportunity in player requirements, and will look to play its cards perfectly.