The WNBA filed multiple trademarks that could reveal a team name for the new Portland franchise, which has yet to hire a head coach.
The trademarks include the name “Portland Fire” and a stylized “P” logo. They were submitted earlier this week, reports Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic.
If those trademarks are an indication of what’s to come, it will be a revival of the former Portland Fire, which folded after the 2002 season due to financial losses. They were one of six teams that folded by 2009.
The first iteration of the Fire played three seasons and incrementally improved each year before reaching .500 (16-16) in their final season. They did not qualify for the postseason during their three-year run.
It was revealed in September of 2024 that Portland would be one of three new expansion teams. They will officially announce the new team name on July 15.
Earlier this year, the franchise broke ground on a new practice facility that will be shared with the NWSL’s Portland Thorns. They also hired Inky Son, who previously served as the chief administrative officer of the NBPA, as their team president and first employee.
Portland will have to fill out its front office staff and hire a head coach before the expansion draft, which is scheduled to take place after the 2025 season.
