Momentum surges for Portland’s WNBA expansion team ahead of 2026 debut

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 24, 2025): Just days after unveiling its name and brand identity to the world, the Portland Fire, Portland’s new WNBA expansion team, has now surpassed 12,500 season ticket deposits, signaling extraordinary momentum as the franchise continues building toward its highly anticipated 2026 debut.

The team’s official name and logo were introduced on Tuesday, July 15, when deposits had already crossed the 10,000 mark. The continued surge in interest reinforces what the city and league have long recognized: Portland has cemented itself as the epicenter of women’s sports—driven by a passionate, engaged community that doesn’t just show up, it sets the standard.

“This response is incredible,” said Clare Hamill, Interim Team President of the Portland Fire. “To have over 6,000 passionate fans attend our launch party, and to surpass 12,500 deposits within days of our brand reveal speaks volumes about the passion of this city and our fans’ excitement for this team. Portland doesn’t just support women’s sports, it helps define the future of it and this is just the beginning.”

A 43-year Nike veteran with deep roots in the Portland community, Hamill brings a wealth of leadership and vision to the franchise as it builds out a world-class front office. Additional executive hires, including a General Manager, will be announced later this summer.

“The Portland Fire has struck a chord,” said Mike Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports, parent company of the Portland Fire. “From the very beginning, we believed Portland would set a new bar for engagement in women’s sports. These numbers are historic, and we’re honored to carry that energy into everything we build.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history—place your season ticket deposit now at fire.wnba.com and lock in your seats at the Moda Center for the Portland Fire’s inaugural season!

About Portland Fire
Portland Fire is one of the Women’s National Basketball League’s newest franchises, making its official on court debut in 2026. Owned by RAJ Sports – led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage – the team is more than a franchise; it’s the revival of a movement, honoring the legacy of the original Portland Fire while blazing a bold new path forward. Based in Portland, Oregon, the global epicenter of women’s sports, Portland Fire is rooted in the Rose City’s enduring resilience, spirit, and passion for sport.

About RAJ Sports
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.