Portland Fire make WNBA debut against Chicago Sky after 24 years
Updated
Updated · KATU · May 9
Portland Fire make WNBA debut against Chicago Sky after 24 years
8 articles · Updated · KATU · May 9
Thousands packed Portland's Moda Center on Saturday, with lines still wrapping the plaza after tip-off as fans, season ticket holders and Senator Ron Wyden marked the team's return.
Supporters called the comeback a landmark for Portland and women's sports, saying it reflects the WNBA's growth and could widen opportunities for families and young girls.
Wyden said the franchise's return could bring a strong economic boost to Oregon, while fans described the relaunch as a hopeful sign of community pride and diversity.
With WNBA valuations soaring, can new teams like Portland deliver on the massive financial and on-court hype?
Is the WNBA's explosive growth a sustainable new reality or a financial bubble that is about to burst?
Portland Fire’s 2026 WNBA Comeback: Record-Breaking Debut, Innovative Coaching, and Community Impact
Overview
On May 9, 2026, the Portland Fire ended a 24-year hiatus with a highly anticipated return to the WNBA, reigniting a passionate fan base in Portland. Their debut game at the Moda Center against the Chicago Sky drew a record-setting crowd of 19,335 fans, turning the event into a true celebration of women's basketball and marking a symbolic 'Legacy Reignited' for the franchise. The electric atmosphere reflected Portland's deep love for the sport, as the city embraced the Fire's comeback and set the stage for a new era in women's basketball.