The Legacy of the Portland Power in Women's Basketball

The Portland Power was a professional women's basketball team that played in the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1996 to 1998. The team hosted its games at Memorial Coliseum and was part of a league that featured 11 teams during its existence. The Power's history is marked by significant achievements and challenges, reflecting the early landscape of women's professional basketball in the United States.

The Portland Power: A year-by-year history of professional women’s basketball before the WNBA

The Portland Power's brief existence in the ABL laid the groundwork for the future of women's professional basketball in Portland. The team's achievements, particularly Williams' MVP season and Dunn's coaching accolades, contributed to the growing recognition of women's sports. As the Portland Fire prepares for its return to the WNBA in 2026, the legacy of the Power remains a significant chapter in the history of women's basketball in the region.

The Portland Power: A year-by-year history of professional women’s basketball before the WNBA

While the Power's performance statistics are well-documented, the exact reasons behind the ABL's bankruptcy and the subsequent impact on player careers remain less clear. Additionally, the transition of players from the ABL to the WNBA is noted, but specific details on player movements are not extensively covered.

The Portland Power: A year-by-year history of professional women’s basketball before the WNBA

• “7 assists per game and the Power completely flipped the script to go 27-17 and win the Western Conference.” — Source

The Portland Power: A year-by-year history of professional women’s basketball before the WNBA

• “At the time of the ABL’s closure, Williams was second in scoring (19.” — Source

The Portland Power: A year-by-year history of professional women’s basketball before the WNBA