After a long 24-year hiatus, the WNBA Portland Fire is set to begin playing again this May at the Moda Center. Re-founded in 2024, the team will finally be back on the court for the 2026 regular season, with their opening season game being against the Chicago Sky.
The Portland Fire was last active in the early 2000s before it folded in 2002 due to the continuation of grappling with financial challenges. After Paul Allen, the Portland Trail Blazers’ owner, declined to buy the team, the team’s open ownership position was left dry. Two years ago, the ownership was picked up by Lisa and Alex Bhathal via RAJ Sports, putting in the sibling teamwork of owning a WNBA team.
Following the decision of where ownership would be handed over, the head coach was chosen to be Alex Sarama. Sarama grew up in England, beginning his basketball coaching career as a teenager. His experience as an assistant coach for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and as an affiliate of the Trail Blazers prepared him for his head coaching position.
In February of this year, the Portland Fire announced their preseason schedule, officially having their first preseason game against the Seattle Storm on April 29 at the Climate Pledge Arena in Washington. On May 3, they will host the Los Angeles Sparks at the Moda Center.
“We have a big sports household, and we like to watch sports games,” said math teacher Ian Goss. “This is one more opportunity to get out of the house and watch local sports.”
Tickets for the first Portland Fire game are currently available on Vivid Seats starting at around $25 before fees. Additionally, the official website has season memberships and suites for sale.
Both under the ownership of RAJ Sports, the Portland Fire, alongside the Portland Thorns, have launched EmpowHER Awards, a celebration and recognition of women and young girls who drive impact and contribute to Portland. Awards, dates and submissions are yet to be announced, but the night of awards is one to look forward to.
