The Portland Fire is Officially Back

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Portland’s New WNBA Team Reveals Its Identity 🔥🌹

The WNBA’s new Portland franchise, set to debut in 2026, just revealed its name and identity: the Portland Fire—a revival of the city’s original team that played from 2000–2002. (WNBA)

🎥 Watch the reveal video here

WHY IT MATTERS: This branding launch marks a big milestone for a franchise that’s had a shaky start. With early leadership changes and no GM in place yet, fans were hungry for something to rally around.

The team’s new logos draw deeply from Portland. A bold “P” logo features the silhouette of Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon. A secondary logo of a flaming rose, nodding to the team’s name and the City of Roses. Plus, a bridge-inspired typeface paying homage to the 12 bridges that connect the city.

Even before the launch, fans were showing up: over 10,000 season ticket deposits have already been claimed.

2. 3-Point Contest & Skills Challenge Rosters Announced 🏀

The WNBA has officially dropped the rosters for All-Star Friday’s fan-favorite events—and this year’s lineup is made up of elite shooters, past winners, and veterans. (WNBA)

🗓️ Don’t miss it: Friday, July 18 at 8 PM ET on ESPN

WHY IT MATTERS: We’re in for a treat, because every player participating is a known competitor. Allisha Gray is out to defend both titles after becoming the first player ever to win the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge in the same year.

She’ll face off against a loaded field, including Sabrina Ionescu, who still holds the all-time NBA and WNBA record for most threes in a single contest (37), and Caitlin Clark, who’s making her debut in the event*. Add in Kelsey Plum, one of the most prolific shooters in league history, and Sonia Citron, a rookie already known for clutch shooting, and you’ve got the recipe for an exciting Friday.

*Clark left Tuesday night’s game early with groin discomfort and her status for the All-Star events is questionable. We’ll be following closely and wishing her a speedy recovery.

3. Kayla McBride Replaces Rhyne Howard in All-Star Game ⭐

With Rhyne Howard sidelined the rest of this month due to a knee injury, the WNBA has tapped Minnesota Lynx vet Kayla McBride to take her place on Team Collier this weekend. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WHY IT MATTERS: This marks McBride’s second straight All-Star appearance and the fifth of her career. She's averaging 14.1 points and 3.1 assists this season, and ranks second in the league in total threes made (50). With both her, Courtney Williams, and Collier repping Minnesota, the standings-leading Lynx will be well represented in Indianapolis this weekend.