Oregon’s WNBA team stepped back in time for its new name, reintroducing the Portland Fire. The expansion franchise, which begins play next next season alongside the Toronto Tempo, announced its name a

Portland’s forthcoming WNBA expansion team, set to begin play in summer 2026, unveiled its name and logo Tuesday morning. The Fire will call the Moda Center home with new branding under the ownership of RAJ Sports — the same group led by Lisa Bhathal Merage which purchased the Portland Thorns in 2024.

The WNBA's Portland expansion franchise has had a rocky start to its existence, but as of Tuesday it officially has a name. In a callback to the city's first foray into the league, the expansion team will be known as the Fire. The Fire will begin play in 2026 as the WNBA's 15th franchise.