The city of Portland has been granted the WNBA's 15th franchise, set to begin play in 2026, marking a significant expansion into a city with a rich basketball history.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that Portland is the perfect backdrop for WNBA players to make an impact, highlighting the city's history of iconic basketball moments.
Lisa Bhathal Merage emphasized the transformative power of women's sports, expressing enthusiasm for supporting the best women's basketball players and growing the organization in partnership with the Portland community.
Portland's previous WNBA franchise, the Fire, had a loyal following but folded after three seasons due to financial issues, which contextualizes the excitement surrounding its return.
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