Portland Fire Open Inaugural WNBA Training Camp

New coach Alex Sarama implements unique 'constraints-led' system with expanded roster

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:10pm by

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or practice, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.The Portland Fire's innovative training camp marks an exciting new era for the WNBA, as the league's newest expansion team embraces a fresh, unconventional approach to the game.Portland Today

The Portland Fire, the WNBA's newest expansion team, opened their inaugural training camp on Sunday at Portland State University. Head coach Alex Sarama, who has never coached in the WNBA, is implementing his 'constraints-led approach' style of basketball with the team's new roster of players acquired through the expansion draft, draft, and free agency. Despite the challenges of learning a new system, the players expressed excitement about the fresh perspective Sarama is bringing.

Why it matters

The launch of the Portland Fire marks the WNBA's first expansion since 2008, signaling renewed growth and interest in women's professional basketball. Sarama's innovative coaching approach could also provide a new model for player development and team strategy in the league.

The details

On the first day of training camp, Sarama said the players picked up the new system quickly, completing a complex defensive and offensive drill by the end of practice. However, the team is missing several key players who are still fulfilling international commitments, including top draft pick Bridget Carleton and second-round selection Carla Leite. Iyana Martín, the Fire's 7th overall pick, will not join the team this season as she focuses on the FIBA World Cup, while 11th pick Nika Mühl is recovering from ACL surgery.

  • The Portland Fire opened their inaugural WNBA training camp on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Fire's preseason is set to begin in 10 days.

The players

Alex Sarama

The head coach of the Portland Fire, implementing his unique 'constraints-led approach' to basketball for the first time in the WNBA.

Megan Gustafson

A 6-foot-4 center signed by the Fire in free agency.

Maya Caldwell

A guard taken by the Fire in the expansion draft from the Atlanta Dream.

Bridget Carleton

The Fire's top pick in the expansion draft, currently playing overseas in the Czech Republic.

Carla Leite

The Fire's second pick in the expansion draft, currently playing in Spain.

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What they’re saying

“'It was a great first day. We did a lot. In summary, I think a lot of training camps start slow. We actually did the opposite in terms of really trying to get the players used to how we're going to practice and the unique practice culture we're going to have. So intentionally, we actually threw a lot of them to see what would stick, and they responded in a really amazing way. So a lot of excitement for day two.'”

— Alex Sarama, Portland Fire Head Coach

“'I think we're all really, really pumped to be a part of this new revival of the Portland Fire. I think there's really a lot of good energy today. I think everyone was just excited to be here, so nobody was really tired. I think everyone was kind of, you know, 10 out of 10 giving it their best effort, and that's how it should be every day.'”

— Megan Gustafson, Portland Fire Center

“'Coach has a different style of play than what, you know, any hooper is used to. It's not very traditional, but I feel like we all love that. We're all open minded and we're buying into it.'”

— Maya Caldwell, Portland Fire Guard

What’s next

The Portland Fire will continue their inaugural training camp in preparation for the start of the WNBA preseason in 10 days.

The takeaway

The launch of the Portland Fire represents an exciting new chapter for the WNBA, with the team embracing an innovative coaching approach that could reshape player development and strategy across the league. Despite the challenges of learning a new system, the players' enthusiasm and open-mindedness suggest the Fire could make an immediate impact in their inaugural season.