• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Portland Vies to Add WNBA Team, Keep Trail Blazers

  • Sen. Ron Wyden wrote a letter calling on the WNBA to return to Portland.
  • The league had a team there from 2000-02.
Ron-Wyden
MADELEINE COOK / STATESMAN JOURNAL

Portland is vying for a WNBA team with the help of one of its federal representatives.

Sen. Ron Wyden wrote a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA commissioner Adam Silver, saying that a Portland WNBA team would be a “slam dunk success for the city and the league.”

  • Portland had a WNBA team, the Fire, for three seasons from 2000-02.
  • Wyden wrote that both Portland and Oregon have “proven to be a hotbed for women’s sports.”
  • The city’s NWSL team, the Thorns, topped the league in attendance last year with 14,391 per game and, as of Monday, are second to Angel City FC this year with 15,543 per game.

Wyden alluded to concerns that the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers could leave the city at the end of his missive: 

“Please know that I stand ready to offer whatever help I can provide to protect and build a lasting commitment to the Trail Blazers’ continued presence in Portland – a commitment that would also be solidified with a WNBA team in my hometown.

Fierce Competition

The WNBA, which has 12 teams, is looking to add two more. The Oakland City Council passed a resolution calling on the WNBA to bring a team there. The league is also believed to be looking at Nashville, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Toronto.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries fans acknowledge local basketball alumni during a time out against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Chase Center.

Valkyries Set WNBA Attendance Record in Inaugural Season

The Valkyries joined the WNBA as an expansion team this season.
Angel Reese

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer leaves his court side seat after a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.

‘They Conned Me’: Ballmer Responds to Kawhi Leonard Allegations

Ballmer spoke on “SportsCenter” about the allegations he broke NBA rules.

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell: NFL’s Next Frontier Is More Games, More Countries

The commissioner has pushed for an 18-game season since last spring.