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PORTLAND, Ore. The expansion Portland Fire opened their WNBA season at the city's Moda Center, dubbed the “Fire Pit” for the occasion, on Saturday night, drawing an announced sellout of 19,335 and falling 98-83 to the visiting Chicago Sky. Players warmed up in shirts reading “Legacy Reignited” to honor the original 2000–02 Fire franchise. Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago with 22 points and 14 rebounds and Skylar Diggins added 21 points and 11 rebounds; Portland rallied late to tie the game at 70 before Chicago regained control. Portland was awarded a WNBA franchise in September 2024 and the team is run by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the NWSL’s Portland Thorns; Raj Sports paid $125 million for the Fire. The crowd included Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Sen. Ron Wyden, musician Carrie Brownstein and players Jrue and Lauren Holiday. Officials noted the return follows the original Fire, whose chairman was Paul Allen and who played from 2000–02, averaging roughly 8,000 fans per game; Raj Sports executive Karina LeBlanc said the franchise will be transformative for the city.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.