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The Portland Fire return after 24 years as WNBA expansion team opens the season
The sellout opener drew 19,335 fans as the expansion team honored the original Fire with commemorative shirts and a renamed arena.
- On Saturday, the Portland Fire returned to the WNBA after 24 years, playing their season opener against the Chicago Sky at the Moda Center with a sellout crowd of 19,335 fans.
- The original Portland Fire folded in 2002 after three seasons under former Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen; Raj Sports revived the franchise in 2024, paying $125 million to restore the team.
- Players wore 'Legacy Reignited' T-shirts honoring the original team. Among attendees were Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Sen. Ron Wyden, and Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday, witnessing the franchise's return.
- Raj Sports executive Karina LeBlanc said the team is "cementing the global epicenter of women's sports." Sen. Ron Wyden called the return "a huge bonanza for the state." Fans described it as monumental.
- The WNBA continues expanding with three more teams planned. Fan Robin Wisner said the league provides "hope" and competitive opportunities, emphasizing how Portland's team ensures community engagement in the Northwest.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
The Portland Fire return after 24 years as WNBA expansion team opens the season
After 24 years, the Fire have returned to Portland. The expansion Portland Fire took to the court at the city’s Moda Center, dubbed the “Fire Pit” for the occasion, for the team’s WNBA season opener against the Chicago Sky on Saturday night.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 36%
R 18%
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