The Valkyries are losing a key piece to their front office. 

After numerous reports over the weekend, the expansion Portland Fire officially announced that Valkyries vice president of basketball operations Vanja Černivec will become their next general manager. 

Černivec will begin her tenure with Portland on Sept. 15 – a few days after the regular season concludes. 

“I am honored to join the Fire with a vision to build the most innovative and groundbreaking team in women’s basketball,” Černivec said in a statement on Monday. “Portland is a city with a deep passion for the game, and I want this team to reflect that energy in this new era – rooted in legacy, fueled by passion, and driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Černivec was instrumental in constructing the Valkyries roster and building the coaching staff for Golden State’s inaugural season. 

An international scout for many years, Černivec’s input was influential in the Valkyries’ decision to draft 19-year-old Lithuanian shooting guard Justė Jocytė in April’s draft. 

Prior to working with the Valkyries, Černivec was the general manager of the London Lions for two seasons and was an international scout for the Chicago Bulls from 2020 to 2022. 

Portland along with the Toronto Pace will enter the league starting next season. Expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia are all expected to join the league by 2030 

The Fire’s first few months of operation got off to a rocky start when the team parted ways with president Inky Son earlier this summer. Černivec will join a retooled front office that includes longtime Nike executive Clare Hamill, who recently took over as president. 

“Vanja is a visionary, and we are confident she will help define what this franchise can be,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, Portland Fire Co-Owner and Governor in the statement. “As a foundational leader in this new chapter for the Fire, she brings the experience, integrity, and passion for advancing the women’s game that this moment demands.”