Stalled CBA discussions are raising concerns over the future of the 2026 season. But operations around the league hint at the possibility of the season taking place, may be delayed, but not cancelled. Top broadcasters made early moves as NBC declared its schedule, and ESPN started a special show for women’s sport, which might benefit the WNBA in the current tense situation. Now, Portland Fire has also taken a surprising step, shaking up its front office.
While the CBA talks are mainly around the commercial terms, including salary cap and revenue sharing, the expansion team added a specialist for the position, advising the franchise on key decisions.
Portland Fire Hires Top WNBA Analyst
With the commercial terms and decision dictating the progress of the season and team, the Portland Fire added a special post as salary cap and strategy analyst. While many would assume taking a finance graduate for the position, the franchise went for a journalist who has working knowledge of the system.
As per the report, the Fire franchise appointed former Athletic writer, Ben Pickman, to the position. Ben Pickman. The reporter graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2018, earning a B.A. in both Journalism and History. But his work in sports reporting gives him an edge for the position.
WNBA’s Portland Fire hire former Athletic insider Ben Pickman to front office https://t.co/RxIR1ds1WP pic.twitter.com/eqSOSpqQfC
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 23, 2026
Pickman worked with CNN Sports, the Wisconsin Center for Journalism Ethics, and served as the sports editor for the Daily Cardinal. Later, he joined Sports Illustrated, primarily covering women’s basketball and the NBA shortly after graduating from college. After four years of experience with SI, the reporter worked for Athletic for four years and will now join a WNBA franchise.
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The 30-year-old extensively covered the CBA discussions along with Sabrina Merchant. And now will implement his theories for the Portland side. The expansion team is already preparing itself by bringing in experts for all possible positions in the front office.
Portland Fire Receives Huge Shout Out From Former Player
The franchise is looking to make an immediate impact in the league and received massive support from fans and former players. One such player was Jackie Stiles, who was a member of the Portland Fire team in 2001, and two years later, the owners folded the franchise. In a recent interview, she mentioned that the return of the franchise gave her closure.
“It was just crushing when you know, I finished my second season and all of a sudden, I’m at home in the offseason and I get a phone call that the Portland Fire is no longer going to exist. And it was really difficult not having that closure.”I feel like I’ve gotten that closure now when now we’re promoting this brand new team,” Stiles said.
Jackie Stiles gets her closurehttps://t.co/nH5L8SXPRu
— Debmallya Chakraborty (@DebmallyaC93340) January 30, 2026
WNBA Legend Sylvia Fowles joined the side as an Assistant Coach, while NBA experienced Alex Sarama joins the team as head coach, giving the side a strong coaching staff.