The highly anticipated return of the Portland Fire to the WNBA is creating a buzz! Will they ignite the league?
The Fire have announced their preseason schedule, much to the delight of eager fans. With their debut set for May 9, 2026, the team is wasting no time in building momentum.
On April 29, the Fire will face the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena, with tip-off at 7 p.m. But here's where it gets exciting for local fans... Just a few days later, on May 3 at 4 p.m., the Fire will host their first home game in over two decades at the Moda Center. A homecoming of sorts, this game may feature former local high school standout Cameron Brink, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024.
Brink, a two-time Oregon Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2018, 2019) and high school All-American (2020), could be returning to her home state to play against the team that drafted her. Talk about a potential storyline!
The Fire's inaugural season opener on May 9 against the Chicago Sky is also highly anticipated. However, a note of caution: the entire 2026 season schedule is tentative, as the WNBA and the player's association are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. A potential player strike could delay the season's start, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
And this is the part most fans are eagerly awaiting: the chance to see the Fire's highly touted draft picks in action. With a rapper, a Spanish prodigy, and other top talents on the radar, the Fire's draft strategy is sure to be a hot topic.
As the Fire prepare for their comeback, the excitement is palpable. Will they live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the WNBA is about to get a whole lot hotter!
