Portland Fire Set to Return to WNBA in 2026

The Portland Fire, a former team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), is set to make its return in 2026, reigniting interest in professional women’s basketball in the city. The Fire, which has been inactive since 2002, will play its first game against the Indiana Fever at the Moda Center on May 30, 2026. Lin Dunn, a prominent figure in women’s basketball and former coach of the Portland Power in the American Basketball League (ABL), expressed her enthusiasm for the revival. “I was thrilled, but not surprised,” Dunn stated, emphasizing that Portland has always been a natural fit for a WNBA team.

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The Portland Power, which operated in the ABL during the late 1990s, was coached by Dunn and showed promise before the league folded in 1998. At the time of its dissolution, the Power had a record of 9-4 and was poised for a successful season. Dunn reflected on the potential championship that could have been achieved, stating, “I feel sure we would have won a championship.” The city has a rich history of supporting women’s sports, which Dunn noted has continued with the introduction of a new professional softball team in 2026.

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Lin Dunn, now 78, has been a significant influence in women’s basketball, having also coached the Seattle Storm to success. Her connection to Portland remains strong, as she fondly recalls her time coaching the Power and the support from local fans. The Fire's new assistant coach, Sylvia Fowles, a Hall of Famer and Olympic champion, is another key figure in this revival. Dunn praised Fowles, stating, “She’s one of the all-time greats in our game... a wonderful person.”

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The return of the Fire also marks the revival of the historic rivalry with the Seattle Storm. This rivalry has been dormant since the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Dunn, who has experienced both sides of this rivalry, anticipates an exciting atmosphere for fans. “It was awesome... the fans were passionate, both fans,” she remarked, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the renewed competition.

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Dunn's excitement reflects a broader sentiment among fans and stakeholders in Portland, who are eager to see the Fire back in action. The ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and the players' association have delayed team assembly, but the enthusiasm for the Fire's return remains high.

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• “I was thrilled, but not surprised,” — Lin Dunn, Former Coach of the Portland Power

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• “She’s one of the all time greats in our game,” — Lin Dunn on Sylvia Fowles

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• “And the fans, they were passionate, both fans.” — Lin Dunn on the Portland-Seattle rivalry

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The return of the Portland Fire signifies a new chapter for women’s basketball in the region, promising to engage fans and foster a competitive spirit in the league.

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