Portland, Oregon – September 18, 2024 – The WNBA is expanding its footprint, officially awarding a franchise to Portland, marking the league’s 15th team and bringing women’s professional basketball back to the city after a two-decade hiatus.
A New Era for Portland Basketball
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The Portland Fire will join the WNBA in 2026, reigniting a beloved franchise and promising a vibrant future for the sport in the Pacific Northwest.
- Portland secured a WNBA franchise for $125 million.
- The team will revive the name “Portland Fire,” a nod to the city’s original WNBA team.
- Vanja Černivec has been named the team’s first general manager.
- The Fire will play their home games at the Moda Center, currently home to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The new franchise, owned by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal through their company Raj Sports, represents a significant investment in the future of women’s basketball. The Bhathals secured the team for $125 million, signaling a strong commitment to the WNBA and the Portland community. The team is slated to begin play in the 2026 season as a member of the Western Conference.
Reviving a Legacy: The Portland Fire Name
On July 15, 2025, the team announced it would honor its past by adopting the name “Portland Fire,” bringing back a familiar and cherished brand for basketball fans. The original Portland Fire competed in the WNBA from 2000 to 2002.
What is the capacity of the Moda Center? The Moda Center, where the Portland Fire will play their home games, can accommodate 20,500 spectators for basketball games.
Building the foundation for success, Vanja Černivec, who played a key role in establishing the Golden State Valkyries, was appointed as the first female general manager on August 25, 2025. Černivec brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the role.
The Moda Center, currently the home of the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), will serve as the Portland Fire’s home court. The arena provides a spacious and modern venue for fans to experience WNBA action.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
On October 17, 2025, Alex Samara, formerly an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was introduced as the team’s inaugural head coach. Samara’s experience and coaching philosophy are expected to shape the Fire’s on-court identity.
