Portland agreed to accept a 2026 WNBA expansion team.
In a significant move that underscores the continued growth of women’s sports, the WNBA has officially granted Portland an expansion team, set to begin play in the 2026 season. This exciting development marks a major milestone for both the league and the city, bringing professional women’s basketball back to Portland after a two-decade absence.
A Historic Return to Portland
Portland’s connection with professional women’s basketball dates back to the early 2000s, when the Portland Fire competed in the WNBA from 2000 to 2002. Despite the team’s passionate fan base and a promising start, the franchise folded after just three seasons due to financial constraints. The decision to bring a WNBA team back to Portland reflects the league’s confidence in the city’s ability to support women’s basketball and the growing demand for more teams in the WNBA.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made the announcement official, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Portland back into the WNBA family. This city has a rich basketball tradition, and we believe this new franchise will thrive with the support of the passionate fans in Portland. This expansion is part of our long-term strategy to grow the league and provide more opportunities for women in sports.”
Ownership and Vision
Leading the ownership group is prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist Jill Smith, who has deep ties to the Portland community and a strong commitment to advancing women’s sports.expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “This is a dream come true for me and for so many basketball fans in Portland. We are dedicated to building a team that not only competes at the highest level but also serves as a source of pride for our city. Our goal is to create a winning culture, both on and off the court, and to make a positive impact in our community.”
The ownership group has already begun the search for key leadership positions, including a general manager and head coach, with the aim of assembling a top-notch front office that can attract talent and build a competitive roster. The team’s leadership is focused on fostering a culture of excellence, with an emphasis on player development, fan engagement, and community involvement.
Community Impact and Fan Engagement
Portland’s new WNBA team is poised to make a significant impact on the local community. The franchise has announced plans to partner with local schools, youth organizations, and community groups to promote the sport of basketball and inspire young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue their dreams. The team’s outreach efforts will include clinics, camps, and mentorship programs aimed at developing the next generation of female basketball players.
The announcement of the expansion team has been met with widespread enthusiasm from the Portland community. Fans, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting the return of professional women’s basketball, have taken to social media to express their excitement. The team is expected to play its home games at the Moda Center, the state-of-the-art arena that is also home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. This venue will provide an ideal setting for fans to experience the energy and excitement of WNBA games.
A Look Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 season approaches, the anticipation surrounding Portland’s WNBA team will continue to build. The expansion marks a pivotal moment for the league, which has seen steady growth in popularity and viewership in recent years. The addition of the Portland franchise will bring the total number of WNBA teams to 14, further expanding the league’s footprint and providing more opportunities for elite female athletes to showcase their talents on a national stage.
For Portland, the return of the WNBA is not just about basketball; it’s about community, pride, and the power of sport to bring people together. As the team prepares to take the court in 2026, Portland’s basketball fans can look forward to a new era of women’s basketball, filled with thrilling moments, inspiring stories, and the potential for championship glory.
The WNBA’s return to Portland is more than just an expansion; it’s a homecoming for a city that has always embraced basketball with open arms. As the countdown to 2026 begins, one thing is certain: the Rose City is ready to welcome its new team with enthusiasm and support, ensuring that women’s basketball will once again flourish in Portland.
