Portland Trail Blazers rumors: WNBA franchise coming to Rip City?

Could the Portland Trail Blazers and the Moda Center be close to getting another tenant in the arena the Blazers have called home for twenty-five plus years? The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress reported on Sunday, June 5 that Portland is one of six cities the WNBA is looking into for an expansion team.

Portland was home to the WNBA’s Fire franchise from 2000 to 2002, which unfortunately dissolved when Fire Chairman and Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen encountered financial difficulties with his NBA organization. NBC Sports Northwest reported back in 2020 that,

"“a group led by Clyde Drexler and Portland businessman Terry Emmert attempted to buy the franchise (Fire).”"

WNBA return could be on the horizon for Portland

The squad featured Sophia Witherspoon, 2001-2002 Rookie of the Year and All-Star Jackie Stiles, forward Sylvia Crawley, Head Coach Linda Hargrove, and others. They even had Spot the Dalmatian as the mascot (no, not a real dalmatian in case you were wondering).

If you want to go prior to the Fire, some Portland basketball enthusiasts may remember the Portland Power, members of the American Basketball League. They played at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum prior to the league folding in 1998, ending a short tenure that began in 1996. The Power was coached by Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Lin Dunn from 1997-to 1998.

It would be very exciting for Portland to get another professional basketball team, in particular, a WNBA team to call its own, and fill seats inside the Moda Center during the summer when the Blazers are well into the offseason. It also brews a new rivalry in the Pacific Northwest, as the Seattle Storm won’t be too thrilled about a new team erecting down I-5.

Fentress listed Oakland, Nashville, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Toronto in addition to Portland as the potential cities.

The WNBA currently has twelve teams. and according to Fentress,

"“The league is hoping to name up to two cities to receive expansion teams by 2024, according to  a report.”"

Having the WNBA return to the “Rose City” is a very exciting possibility. Here’s hoping it’s successful in landing a team.