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 original Portland Fire, who blazed a trail from 2000 to 2002. This team may be gone, but their legacy remains. Let's explore 10 fascinating facts about the city's first WNBA franchise:
A Brief Spark: The Portland Fire existed for only three seasons: 2000, 2001, and 2002. They share the unfortunate distinction of being tied with the Miami Sol as the shortest-lived WNBA teams, not counting the Golden State Valkyries who began operations in 2025.
A Record to Forget: Over those three seasons, the Fire had a record of 37-59, never making it to the playoffs. Their closest shot was in 2002, finishing with a 16-16 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference, just one game shy of a playoff spot.
Mystic Mastery: While their overall record wasn't stellar, the Fire had one team they consistently dominated: the Washington Mystics. They won 80% of their games against the Mystics, including a decisive 75-58 victory on July 9, 2000, where Sophia Witherspoon scored 26 points.
See AlsoStephen Curry Honors Angel Reese with Stylish Sneaker ChoiceSophie Cunningham vs. Napheesa Collier: Net Worth Showdown! 💰 WNBA Stars ComparedAngel Reese vs A'ja Wilson: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, and MoreSkylar Diggins Stuns in Sky-High Slit Gown at 2026 Golden Globes | WNBA Fashion HighlightsCrawley's Conquest: Sylvia Crawley is the Fire's all-time leading scorer, with 935 career points. After the team folded, Crawley played for the San Antonio Silver Stars for a year before transitioning to coaching full-time. She also served as an assistant coach for her alma mater, North Carolina, from 2000-2002, even while playing for the Fire.
The Faithful Five: Only 20 players ever wore the Fire uniform during their three-year run. Five players were there for all three seasons: Alisa Burras, Sylvia Crawley, Stacey Thomas, Tully Bevilaqua, and DeMya Walker.
Stiles' Shooting Star: Jackie Stiles was a standout player for the Fire, becoming one of the WNBA's top three-point shooters during her injury-shortened career. In the 2001 and 2002 seasons, Stiles made 40.6% of her three-pointers and averaged 11.4 points per game. She remains No. 12 on the WNBA's all-time three-point percentage leaderboard.
Oregon's Own: Among the Fire's players, only one had strong ties to Oregon. Jenny Mowe, though from California, attended Powers High School in Oregon, leading her team to a state championship. She then played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks. Mowe played for the Fire in 2001 and 2002, before a stint with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Storm Clouds Brewing: The rivalry between Seattle and Portland is a long-standing tradition. The Fire and the Seattle Storm were both introduced to the WNBA in 2000. Over three years, the Fire held a 5-4 series lead. This rivalry's revival will be highly anticipated.
A Dominant Victory: The Fire's worst season, with a 10-22 record, was also when they achieved their most lopsided victory. On July 30, 2000, Portland defeated the Orlando Miracle 76-55, recording 14 steals, with Witherspoon scoring 27 points.
The Long Haulers: Two players from the original Fire had careers that extended well into the 2000s. Walker played until 2012 with several teams, and Bevilaqua also played until 2012 for the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and the San Antonio Silver Stars.
But here's where it gets controversial... The team's short run and lack of playoff success raise questions about the franchise's long-term viability. What do you think? Were there missed opportunities? Could the Fire have achieved more with different strategies or players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
