Portland Fire WNBA Return Sparks Excitement, Rivalry Reignites

The Portland Fire’s comeback to the WNBA has created considerable buzz ahead of their opening game on May 30 at the Moda Center, where they will face the Indiana Fever. Lin Dunn, the 78-year-old consultant for Indiana and a former Portland basketball coach, expressed eagerness to attend the game and support the team’s relaunch. Her deep ties to Portland women’s basketball, combined with her extensive coaching career, underscore the significance of this revival in professional basketball for the city.

Dunn reflected on her potential attendance, stating,

“That may be one of the games that I do attend because I would love to come back to Portland,”

and added,

“I would love to see the environment. I would love to, you know, be a part of doing anything I can to help that team get off the ground.”

Historical Roots of Women’s Basketball in Portland

Lin Dunn played a vital role in shaping Portland’s women’s basketball scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s when she coached the Portland Power in the American Basketball League (ABL). The Power showed promise before the ABL folded in 1998, but Dunn’s influence extended beyond Portland as she later helped establish the Seattle Storm as a dominant WNBA team. Reflecting on Portland’s place in women’s basketball, Dunn said,

“I’ve always felt like Portland was a natural place to have a WNBA team,”

expressing both excitement and confidence about the Fire’s reemergence.

Portland’s Embrace of Women’s Sports Continues to Grow

Alongside the Fire’s return, Portland is also preparing to welcome a new professional softball team in 2026, highlighting the city’s ongoing support for women’s athletics. Dunn applauded the community’s enthusiasm for women’s sports across various disciplines, mentioning,

“I love the fact that there’s softball, soccer, women’s professional basketball, you know, they’re all embraced there in the Portland area.”

This inclusive environment reinforces Portland’s reputation as a hub for female athletes and fans alike.

Challenges and Optimism Surrounding the Fire’s Roster Formation

Although the Fire have yet to finalize their roster due to continuing collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ association, Portland has made a significant coaching addition by hiring Sylvia Fowles as an assistant coach. Fowles, a Hall of Famer and Olympic athlete, brings both experience and leadership to the squad. Dunn praised Fowles, stating,

“She’s one of the all time greats in our game,”

and continued,

“Not only is she an awesome player, an Olympian, but she’s a wonderful person.”

Renewed Portland-Seattle Rivalry to Energize Fans

The return of the Portland Fire will reignite the long-standing basketball rivalry with Seattle, a contest that has been on hold since the Seattle SuperSonics relocated in 2008. Although Portland and Seattle have maintained fierce competition through their MLS teams, Timbers and Thorns, basketball fans will now witness the classic regional competition on the court again.

Dunn, who has experienced this rivalry from both sides, reflected on the excitement it generates. Describing the dynamic, she said,

“It was awesome. You know, it was just a three-hour drive down the road. And the fans, they were passionate, both fans. The Seattle fans will always be one of my favorite groups, as well as the Portland fans.”

This rivalry promises to energize communities and boost interest in women’s basketball across the Pacific Northwest.

Portland Fire’s Legacy and Future Impact

Lin Dunn’s history with Portland basketball, including turning around the Power’s 1996 season from a difficult start to a much stronger record, exemplifies the resilience and potential of women’s pro basketball in the city. She reminisced,

“Linda Weston did a hell of a job as the general manager. We had some great players, and we were on our way to go from worst to first. And it was unfortunate that that season folded because I feel sure we would have won a championship.”

The Fire’s revival not only restores professional women’s basketball to Portland but also rekindles community pride and competitive spirit. As Portland continues to support a broad range of women’s sports and builds on the energy surrounding the Fire, the city is positioned to strengthen its role as a vital center for women’s athletics.