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Portland Fire Set to Revive Rivalry with Seattle Storm in 2026

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Portland Fire (WNBA) will return to the league in 2026, reviving its historic rivalry with the Seattle Storm after 18 years.
The teams will play a preseason game on April 29, 2026, and will also host a regular-season game on July 4, 2026.
The rivalry traces to early WNBA encounters, including a 2000 Portland victory and a 2002 series in which Seattle triumphed in the final matchup.
Former coaches have acknowledged the rivalry's significance, noting its roots in the American Basketball League.

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Story summary

Portland Fire (WNBA) will return to the league in 2026, reviving its historic rivalry with the Seattle Storm after 18 years.
The teams will play a preseason game on April 29, 2026, and will also host a regular-season game on July 4, 2026.
The rivalry traces to early WNBA encounters, including a 2000 Portland victory and a 2002 series in which Seattle triumphed in the final matchup.
Former coaches have acknowledged the rivalry's significance, noting its roots in the American Basketball League.