Story perspectives

Chicago Sky Beat Portland Fire 98-83; $125M Ownership Sale

5/10/2026

Summary

Portland Fire Lose

Portland Fire lost 98-83 to Chicago Sky in the WNBA season opener at the Moda Center.
The sellout crowd of 19,335 included Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Ron Wyden.
Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, bought the franchise for $125 million and also owns the Portland Thorns.

Summary

Fire Sets Record

The Fire’s debut sold out with 19,335 fans, surpassing the previous inaugural record of 18,064 set by the Golden State Valkyries.
The crowd ranked second-largest for any WNBA home opener.
Toronto’s Tempo drew a sellout of 8,210 at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Portland’s NWSL Thorns set a 21,321 home-opener record and posted an 18,173 average attendance in 2025, showing citywide support for women’s sports.

Summary

Chicago Beats

Chicago beat Portland 98-83 with Kamilla Cardoso posting 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Skylar Diggins contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Sky.
Angel Reese was traded to Atlanta for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.
Natasha Cloud, signed from New York, missed the opener because of illness.
Bridget Carleton hit a 3-pointer that tied the game at 70 with 8:39 left.

Summary

Portland Fire Debut

Thousands filled the Moda Center, marking a historic moment for Portland’s women’s sports.
Grace Pytynia-Hillier said the debut proves the WNBA is growing with three new teams preparing to join.
Robin Wisner said the event demonstrates diversity and community engagement for Northwest families.
Senator Ron Wyden called the day “huge” for women’s sports in Oregon and forecast an economic multiplier to boost Portland’s market confidence after the Sports Bra visit.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1997 with eight franchises, the WNBA crowned the Houston Comets as its first champion and drew 14,284 fans to the opening game. The league’s 2000 expansion added the Portland Fire, echoing the early surge that proved women’s pro basketball could thrive. Today’s record attendance in Portland signals that the growth momentum endures.

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Portland Fire Lose

Portland Fire lost 98-83 to Chicago Sky in the WNBA season opener at the Moda Center.
The sellout crowd of 19,335 included Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Ron Wyden.
Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, bought the franchise for $125 million and also owns the Portland Thorns.

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