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.
Jenny Nguyen, owner of The Sports Bra, has long been a champion for bringing a WNBA team to Portland. Now that dream is realized.
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.
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.”
