Get ready, Portland! The WNBA is returning in 2026, and it's time to brush up on some history. Before the new team takes the court, let's dive into the story of the Portland Fire, the city's last WNBA franchise, which blazed across the scene from 2000 to 2002. Here's a look at 10 fascinating facts about their time in the league:
A Brief Spark: The Portland Fire's existence was short and sweet, spanning just three seasons: 2000, 2001, and 2002. They share the title of the shortest-lived WNBA franchise (excluding the Golden State Valkyries) with the Miami Sol.
No Playoff Fire: Despite their best efforts, the Fire never made it to the playoffs. Their overall record was 37-59. The closest they got was in 2002, finishing with a 16-16 record, just one game shy of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Mystic Masters: While their overall record wasn't stellar, the Fire had one team they consistently dominated: the Washington Mystics. They won four out of five games against them, an impressive 80% win rate. Sophia Witherspoon was a key player in their success, scoring 26 points in a notable victory on July 9, 2000.
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The Core Five: Only 20 players ever wore the Portland Fire jersey during their three-year run. However, five players were constants throughout: Alisa Burras, Stacey Thomas, Tully Bevilaqua, DeMya Walker, and, of course, Sylvia Crawley.
Three-Point Queen: Jackie Stiles was a standout player for the Fire, showcasing her skills as one of the WNBA's top three-point shooters. During her time in Portland (2001-2002), she made 40.6% of her three-pointers and averaged 11.4 points per game. She still ranks among the WNBA's all-time leaders in three-point percentage.
Oregon Connection: Only one player had a strong connection to the state of Oregon. Jenny Mowe, though originally from California, played high school basketball in Oregon and then for the Oregon Ducks in college. She played for the Fire in 2001 and 2002.
Rivalry Renewed: The Seattle-Portland rivalry is a significant part of the sports landscape, with a long history across various leagues. The Fire and the Seattle Storm, both entering the WNBA in 2000, played each other frequently. Over the Fire's three seasons, they held a 5-4 series lead.
Biggest Win: Although 2000 was the Fire's worst season, it also saw their most dominant victory. On July 30, 2000, they defeated the Orlando Miracle 76-55, with 14 steals and 27 points from Witherspoon.
Long-Lasting Careers: Two players from the Fire had careers that extended well into the 2000s. DeMya Walker played until 2012, and Tully Bevilaqua also played until 2012. It's a testament to their skill and longevity in the league.
But here's where it gets controversial... the lack of playoff success. Could better coaching or different player acquisitions have changed the Fire's fate? What do you think? Were there any missed opportunities? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you know that the Portland Fire assistant coach Sylvia Fowles played against Walker nine times and Bevilaqua 11 times?
