The 2025 WNBA season concluded with an expansion team making its mark as a strong competitor. The 2026 season will welcome two new franchises – Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. The Portland Fire is already on a roll, filling up the positions.
The Portland Fire added Alex Sarama as its first HC, and they also signed Ashley Battle as their Vice President of basketball operations.
Portland Fire Appoints Ashley Battle As Vice President
The WNBA is entering another exciting phase with new additions already confirmed. League is experiencing new highs. The WNBA already broke a two-decade-long regular season attendance record and can expect more with the new teams.
The Portland Fire is already showing a massive interest and aggression in its recruitment. The side confirmed the signing of Ashley Battle as Vice President.
While overseeing basketball operations, the Portland Fire recruited experienced players from the WNBA. General Manager Vanja Cernivec praised the new addition, saying that her multi-dimensional experience will allow her to help the Portland Fire build a modern, holistic women’s basketball organization.
“I’m looking forward in coming back into the W and to an organization that prioritizes innovation and the growth of women’s sports,” @The_Battle_Zone told @Ballislife.
— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) October 14, 2025
Ashley Battle joins @theportlandfire as VP of Basketball Operations. #WNBA
Read my latest right here 👇… pic.twitter.com/ywwe4FruUI
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“It’s exciting to be part of a franchise that’s reimagining what player development and team culture can look like. Having been in the players’ shoes, I know how powerful it is when an organization invests in every aspect of an athlete’s growth. The Fire is building something special, and I’m proud to now be contributing to that vision,” Battle said.
The side will be looking to exceed the Golden State Valkyries’ achievement with a strong performance. They already added an NBA-experienced back office and will look for a competitive roster, also. Luckily, Battle seems a perfect recruit.
Ashley Battle Possesses Experience To Put Portland Fire On The Map
Battle’s resume has a lot to offer, as she has done extensive work in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. She was an assistant general manager with firsthand experience in management.
More importantly, she was also a scout for the Boston Celtics. The former UConn player has a winning mentality, having won three NCAA championships. The 43-year-old spent six seasons in the WNBA, playing for three different teams.
With her experience on and off the court, Ashley will aim to make an immediate impact, helping Portland’s W franchise get a fresh start.