Portland Fire Returns: WNBA Franchise Revives Name for 2026 Season

Portland is lighting up the women’s sports scene once again with the return of a familiar flame. The WNBA announced that the city’s new expansion franchise will reclaim the name Portland Fire, a nod to the team that burned bright from 2000 to 2002. Set to tip off in 2026, this revival is more than just a name—it’s a rekindling of a passionate fanbase ready to cheer on their team.

Interim Fire President Clare Hamill captured the spirit perfectly, saying, 'Our feeling is that the Fire never died. Fans have been waiting for us to come back, and we’re back with the Portland Fire.' The team isn’t just banking on nostalgia; they’ve unveiled a bold 'Rose on Fire' logo and a striking color palette of red, brown, blue, and pink to signal a fresh yet fiery era.

Portland, long a stronghold for women’s sports, is poised to reclaim its spot on the global stage. Hamill emphasized the city’s readiness to 'reignite its connection to the game' while honoring the legacy of the original franchise. Operated by Raj Sports, which also runs the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Fire will share a cutting-edge joint training complex with the Thorns—a pioneering partnership between the two leagues.

The excitement is already palpable. With over 11,000 season tickets sold for the 2026 season, the Fire have shattered the WNBA’s previous record, proving that Portland’s love for basketball burns hotter than ever. They’ll play at the Moda Center, where the original Fire drew about 8,000 fans per game. Meanwhile, the WNBA is expanding its horizons further with the Toronto Tempo also joining the league in 2026.

This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a full-on blaze of anticipation. Portland is ready to heat up the court, and the Fire are set to spark something truly special.