PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - Portland’s new WNBA team has named their vice president of basketball operations, strategy and innovation.
The Portland Fire says Ashely Battle will oversee basketball operations, including roster construction and talent identification, as well as implement innovative strategies across player performance and analytics.
“It’s exciting to be part of a franchise that’s reimagining what player development and team culture can look like,” said Battle. “Having been in the players’ shoes, I know how powerful it is when an organization invests in every aspect of an athlete’s growth. The Fire is building something special, and I’m proud to now be contributing to that vision.”
Battle, who is a former WNBA athlete, joins the Fire after serving as assistant general manager for the Maine Celtics, the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, and as a scout for the Boston Celtics. She also previously held roles at Nike, the NBA, the WNBA, and Barnum Financial Group.
“Ashley’s multi-dimensional experience uniquely positions her to help the Portland Fire build a modern, holistic women’s basketball organization,” said General Manager Vanja Černivec. “Her insight as a former player will be especially invaluable from day one as we shape the future of this team.”
Battle is also a contributing member of Women in Nike (WIN), a company-wide initiative advancing women across sport and business, originally founded by Clare Hamill, Fire Interim President.
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