Portland Fire

The Portland Fire fell to the Chicago Sky 98- 83 Saturday in front of the largest crowd ever to attend a home opener for a WNBA expansion team.

Two former University of Oregon stars, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, were expected to play with the New York Liberty on May 12 and 14, but only Sabally will hit the court.

Thousands of ecstatic basketball fans descended on the Moda Center Sunday for the return of the WNBA's Portland Fire.

With just five weeks until tip off, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo had the opportunity to draft up to 12 experienced players from existing teams.

The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.

WNBA newcomer Alex Sarama will serve as head coach for the rekindled Portland Fire. He currently works as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

In a nod to the history of women's basketball in Portland, the new owners decided to revive the team name from the city's 2000-2002 franchise.