The WNBA is set to kick off its 2026 season next May, highlighted by the exciting addition of two new teams: the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, expanding the league to 15 franchises. Both teams have big shoes to fill, especially following the Golden State Valkyries’ impressive debut season where they made the playoffs and secured 23 wins. Success will demand skilled players, determination, and strong coaching — and the Fire have already made a significant move by bringing a Hall of Famer onto their coaching staff.
ESPN has announced that Sylvia Fowles, a former league MVP and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, will join the Portland Fire as an assistant coach under head coach Alex Salama in 2026. Fowles is a revered figure in the WNBA, celebrated for her two league championships and her broad basketball expertise, which she plans to leverage to make a strong impact with the Fire.
Fowles, choosing Portland over other coaching offers, saw the opportunity to shape the culture of a brand new team as an ideal challenge. She’s excited to work with players who are not yet established in the league and eager to help build a winning foundation from the ground up.
Throughout her 15-year playing career—seven seasons with the Chicago Sky and eight with the Minnesota Lynx—Fowles earned eight All-Star nods and four Defensive Player of the Year awards, ranking second all-time in that category. Known for her defensive dominance, she ranks fourth in career blocks and retired as the WNBA’s top rebounder until recently surpassed by Tina Charles. Fowles won two championships with the Lynx in 2015 and 2017, both times earning Finals MVP honors, and she won the league MVP award in 2017, placing in the top 10 in MVP voting seven times.
Fan Take: Sylvia Fowles joining the Portland Fire coaching staff is a huge win for WNBA fans, signaling the league’s commitment to growth and excellence through fresh talent and experienced leadership. Her presence could quickly turn Portland into a competitive force, inspiring new fans and elevating the game’s profile nationwide.
