Report: Portland Fire set to name Alex Sarama first coach

The WNBA Finals have achieved the second-largest audience ever on ESPN, showcasing the growing popularity of women's basketball. Although viewership is slightly down compared to 2024, this milestone highlights the increasing interest and support for the league, particularly for star players like A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. This trend is significant as it reflects broader societal shifts towards recognizing and celebrating women's sports.

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is having an eventful offseason as she recovers from a season-ending injury. Recently, she shared on Instagram that she found herself locked out of her house while waiting for AAA assistance. This quirky situation adds a light-hearted twist to her recovery journey, reminding fans that even athletes face everyday challenges.

The new WNBA franchise, Portland Fire, is gearing up for its debut in 2026, marking a significant return to women's basketball in the city after the original team disbanded in 2002. With the recent hiring of Vanja Černivec as general manager and Ashley Battle as vice president, the franchise is making strategic moves to build a competitive team. This development is exciting for fans and highlights the growing popularity of women's sports, as Portland looks to create a vibrant basketball culture.

In a tense moment during the Cleveland Cavaliers' preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons, De'Andre Hunter narrowly avoided a serious knee injury, much to the relief of fans and teammates. This incident highlights the importance of player safety in the NBA, especially as teams prepare for the regular season. Hunter's performance has been a bright spot in training camp, and his health is crucial for the Cavaliers' success moving forward.

The Detroit Pistons faced a tough loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their preseason game, with a score of 118-100. Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham both sat out, which likely impacted the team's performance. Tobias Harris stood out by scoring 19 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. This game highlights the challenges the Pistons may face as they prepare for the regular season, especially with key players missing.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland is making significant progress in his recovery from a toe injury, as confirmed by head coach Kenny Atkinson. Garland participated in a 5-on-5 practice session, which is a promising sign ahead of the team's preseason finale. This update is crucial for the Cavaliers as they prepare for the upcoming season, highlighting Garland's potential return to form and the team's overall readiness.

Jackie Young, a star player for the Las Vegas Aces, recently shared her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a three-time WNBA Champion. Her reflections highlight the challenges she faced growing up and the mindset that helped her overcome obstacles. This story matters because it showcases resilience and determination, serving as a powerful reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to success, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter faced a setback as he exited the final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons due to a knee injury. This news is concerning for the Cavaliers as they prepare for the upcoming season, highlighting the potential impact on their roster and performance.

The WNBA postseason has achieved record ratings on ESPN, marking a significant milestone for women's sports. This surge in viewership throughout September and October highlights the growing popularity and support for the league, showcasing the talent and excitement of women's basketball. Such achievements not only elevate the profile of the WNBA but also pave the way for future investments and opportunities in women's sports, making it an important moment for athletes and fans alike.

The Portland Fire is set to hire Alex Sarama, an assistant coach from the Cavaliers, as their first head coach, following an accidental LinkedIn post that revealed the news. This is an exciting development for the team as they look to build a strong foundation and establish their identity in the league. Sarama's experience and fresh perspective could be just what the Fire needs to ignite their performance on the court.

The 2025 WNBA playoffs have set a new record for viewership on ESPN, with the Aces' Finals victory attracting an impressive average of 1.5 million viewers. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of women's basketball and showcases the league's ability to engage fans. The Finals ranked as the second-most-watched championship series in postseason history, just behind the previous year, indicating a positive trend for the sport's future.

In the latest episode of The Dunker Spot, hosts Nekias and Steve dive into the exciting Southwest Division of the NBA, highlighting standout players like Cooper Flagg and Kevin Durant. They also celebrate the Las Vegas Aces' impressive achievement of winning their third WNBA title in four years. This discussion not only showcases the incredible talent in basketball but also emphasizes the growing competitiveness and popularity of women's sports, making it a must-listen for fans.

Joel Klatt suggests that Penn State should consider starting their coaching search with Nick Saban, the renowned head coach of Alabama. This recommendation comes amid discussions about the future of Penn State's football program. Klatt's insights highlight the importance of strategic leadership in college football, especially as teams look to enhance their competitive edge. Engaging a coach of Saban's caliber could potentially transform the program and attract top talent.

As the new season of Bulldog basketball approaches, excitement is building for year two under coach Walberg. Fans are eager to see how the team will develop and improve, making this season a pivotal moment for the program.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently faced backlash after criticizing his teammates for tardiness to players-only meetings following a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Dolphins struggling this season, holding only one win, Tagovailoa's comments highlight the team's internal issues and the pressure on leadership to foster accountability. His subsequent apology indicates an awareness of the need for unity amidst the turmoil.

In a surprising twist during a recent press conference, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon made a memorable callback to former NFL star Michael Vick, showcasing his unique personality and connection to the game. This moment not only entertained fans but also highlighted Gannon's ability to engage with the media in a light-hearted manner, which can foster a positive team culture. Such interactions are important as they help build rapport with fans and create a more relatable image for the coach.

In a surprising twist during a recent press conference, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon made a memorable callback to Michael Vick, showcasing his unique personality and connection to the game. This unexpected moment not only entertained fans but also highlighted Gannon's background as a former Falcons assistant, reminding everyone of the rich history and excitement surrounding the NFL. Such moments help to humanize coaches and create a more engaging atmosphere for fans.

Kellie Harper is back in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as the head coach of Missouri's basketball team, and she's excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Her return marks a significant moment for the program, as she aims to elevate the team's performance and foster a competitive spirit in one of college basketball's toughest conferences. This move is important not just for Harper's career but also for Missouri, as they look to make a mark in the SEC.