09.19.2024

Today’s Forecast

73º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. | Sunset 7:12 p.m.
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Hoop dreams really do come true

WNBA is officially expanding with a team in Portland

Is this art just a long-term ploy to get Sabrina Ionescu to play for Portland? If so, we approve. | Photo by Mark McClure

After the WNBA’s delayed tipoff in Portland — there wasn’t a leaky roof, although stadium upgrades were certainly a factor — the league has decided to add a team in the Rose City.

And can we just say, we kind of called it.

Details like the franchise’s name, colors, and logo are yet to be revealed, however we do know their first season will start in 2026 and that they’ll play at the Moda Center (although some games may take place in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum while the Moda Center receives renovations).

Our city last had a WNBA team take to the court 22 years ago; the Portland Fire folded in 2002 without ever posting a winning season. That sounds like a perfect “rise from the ashes” opportunity to us.

Alternating images show Jenny Nguyen, owner of The Sports Bra, spins a basketball on her finger while sitting on the bar top. The second image shows young girls holding signs about their excitement for a WNBA team coming to Portland. — Jenny Nguyen, owner of The Sports Bra, has long been a champion for bringing a WNBA team to Portland. Now that dream is realized.
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Photos courtesy of The Sports Bra

The WNBA’s decision to expand comes after several years of “will they, won’t they” involving passionate petitions from politicians and community leaders. Portland’s addition will bring the league to 15 teams; they were preceded by the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto’s unnamed franchise.

As for the new team’s owners, that privilege goes to the Bhathal family, who took over the Portland Thorns earlier this year.

Which is a great segue to answering, “why Portland?” When it comes to packing the stands to watch women’s soccer, the Thorns rank third in attendance this season. The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball tournament came to town for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 in March ahead of hosting the Final Four in 2030.

Could Beaverton native Cameron Brink return home to play for Portland at some point in her career? We sure hope so.
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Photo by JazzyJoeyD

Throw in the recent success of the local squads playing at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and the University of Portland, and it’s just a winning play.

Hear it from the big boss herself.

“As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Portland has been an epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans.”

Asked

What would you name Portland’s new WNBA team?

A. Portland Fire
B. Rip City Rosebuds
C. Portland Pathfinders
D. Portland Pennies

Shoot your shot

Events

Thursday, Sept. 19

Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Alberta Rose Theatre | $45+ | Calling all dancing queens, this softly-lit show will bring the sounds of these Swedish superstars to your ears.
Go Lights Out 2024 | Thursday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 p.m. | Citywide | Free | Limit your light pollution to help migrating birds navigate our airspace safely.

Friday, Sept. 20

Portland Trivia Fridays | Friday, Sept. 20| 6-8 p.m. | Wonderwood Springs | Free | Enter a whimsical realm created by Portland artist Mike Bennett and test your knowledge during four rounds of trivia with different topics picked every week.
Films on the Lawn: The Systems that Surround Us Film Series: “Gather” | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7:15-9 p.m. | Nordic Northwest | $5+ | Watch this documentary that explores Native Americans’ efforts at regaining food sovereignty.
Tori Kelly | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Crystal Ballroom | $30 | Catch the “Should’ve Been Us” singer in concert on her Purple Skies tour.

Saturday, Sept. 21

End of Summer Market at Triskelee Farm | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Triskelee Farm, West Linn | Free | Soak up every last bit of sun as you shop fresh produce and handmade crafts, or walk through the u-cut flower field.
Portland GPO: Beer and Cycling Class | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 12-3 p.m. | Revel Indoor Cycle | $15 | Get a sweat going and then raise a glass with your new friends at Loyal Legion.

Sunday, Sept. 22

Circle V Portland 2024 | Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | Castaway Portland | $125 | Scarf down food from 20 of Portland’s best vegan restaurants at this all-inclusive festival.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Connie Chung in Conversation | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) | $25+ | Literary Arts is proud to present pioneering news anchor and reporter Connie Chung in conversation about her forthcoming memoir, “Connie: A Memoir."*

That's not all

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News Notes

Outdoors

The Vaux’s swift watch at Chapman Elementary School has yet to take off this year. Experts are unsure why such small numbers of the migrating birds are roosting there — only 80 were counted on Sunday, Sept. 15 — but other groups have been seen at places like Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. (KGW)

Community

As part of the inaugural, nationwide Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, Vanport Mosaic will host a series on memory activism in Portland’s Old Town starting Saturday, Sept. 28. The “Coming Home” event is free and will include local history exhibits, presentations + discussions, community art projects, and walking tours.

History

Quilt block patterns predating the Great Depression have been rediscovered in pristine condition at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in The Dalles. The fabric squares were made from templates printed in The Oregonian almost 100 years ago; it’s possible they will be assembled and auctioned off as a fundraiser for the nonprofit. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Travel

The U.S. Department of Transportation has OK’d Alaska Airlines’ purchase of Hawaiian Airlines, and although the latter will remain as a standalone brand, each company’s rewards programs will be combined. Last year, nearly one-third of passengers traveling through PDX flew with Alaska, while only 2% used Hawaiian. (The Associated Press)

Eat

Ken’s Artisan Pizza came in at No. 27 on the 50 Top Pizza list, which puts out a ranking of the best pies worldwide every year. Curious how we would slice up the Portland pizza scene? We’ve got a guide for that.

Drink

If Rosh Hashanah were a beer, what would it taste like? That’s the question Leikam Brewery aims to answer with its new Party Like It’s 5785, a stout with notes of dates, honey, and cinnamon (all of its beers are kosher). The name calls out the upcoming year in the Jewish calendar. Enjoy it exclusively on tap starting Wednesday, Oct. 2. (Eater Portland)

Sports

Oregon football may be on a bye week, but there’s still plenty to work on. Locked On Ducks host Spencer McLaughlin was joined by 247 Sports’ Erik Skopil to discuss what the team’s priorities should be as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

Trending

Nike just dropped the all-new Pegasus 41. Engineered for runners who demand more, this shoe offers unparalleled comfort + responsiveness on the road. Shop it and unlock speed.*

Plan Ahead

⭐ Get a glimpse of the stars

Get a glimpse of the stars at Glendoveer Golf Course

Two silhouetted figures stand next to a telescope that's pointed up toward a dark blue dusk sky.

Parking is free and Glendoveer Golf Course is also served by TriMet’s Bus Line 25. | Photo courtesy of Metro

Not everyone has access to a telescope to see the wonders of outer space up close, so Metro Parks and Nature wants to make that sense of wonderment more accessible.

On Friday, Sept. 27, there will be a free, family-friendly Star Party at Glendoveer Golf Course from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Rose City Astronomers will be on the green, helping point out celestial sights like Saturn, the Ring Nebula in the Lyra constellation, and the double star Albireo in the Cygnus constellation. Attendees can also enjoy hot cocoa and campfire treats.

For those who need assistance, golf carts will be available to carry people to the darkest part of the fairway, where tall trees help block out ambient light pollution. To create the best viewing conditions, Metro will have red cellophane to cover any flashlights or headlamps too.

Just cross your fingers for clear skies — heavy rain will cancel the event. Keep an eye on the calendar for updates.

The Buy

The Buy 9.19.24 (Affiliate)

L.L. Bean’s customer-favorite flannel blanket — perfect for camping trips, picnics, and staying cozy this autumn.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

I love Paul McCartney and The Beatles (although I’m more of a Wings fan). If you’re in the same boat (or perhaps yellow submarine) I highly suggest you go and see “Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-1964: Eyes of the Storm” at the Portland Art Museum. The exhibit acts as a family album of sorts during the Fab Four’s meteoric rise to global stardom.

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