The WNBA is heating up with the long-awaited return of the Portland Fire, officially relaunching as the league’s 15th franchise for the 2026 season. On Tuesday morning, the team revealed its new name and logo exclusively on Good Morning America, sparking excitement among basketball fans in the City of Roses.
Clare Hamill, the team’s interim president and a former Nike executive, confirmed that the Portland Fire will debut in May 2026. Speaking on GMA, Hamill shared optimism for the team’s competitive edge, stating, “This is a great year to be a new franchise—there’s a lot of free agents coming out” ahead of the official WNBA Draft in April.
Also read: 2025 Open Championship Preview: McIlroy Returns Home As Scheffler Leads Betting Odds
The new logo is a bold tribute to Portland, featuring a single rose with fiery petals—symbolizing both the city’s nickname and the team’s fierce spirit. Fans are already rallying behind the fresh branding, which blends local pride with modern design.
In a historic move, Portland becomes the first city to regain a former WNBA franchise. The original Fire played from 2000 to 2002 before folding. Their comeback not only marks a revival of women’s professional basketball in the Pacific Northwest but also expands the league’s national footprint.
Portland joins Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia as new WNBA expansion cities, reflecting the league’s rapid growth and rising popularity.
The Fire will call the Moda Center home, with an official launch party taking place Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. Fans attending the event will get a first look at the new branding, enjoy exclusive merchandise, and have the chance to meet special guests and WNBA stars.