Ahead of the WNBA’s debut season, the Portland Fire took measured steps, adding experienced coaches to the staff. First, the Fire franchise added Alex Sarama as its head coach, then provided former player and megastar Sylvia Fowles as assistant coach.
But now with the season opening days coming closer, the side is now getting bolder and making a fun campaign with two of its stars – Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.
Portland Fire With Innovative Campaign
The WNBA’s 30th anniversary season got off to a wrong foot with the delay and allegation in the CBA discussion, but new franchises are certainly bringing in a fresh breath of air with their introduction.
After a small fun chat on ‘Vegan Restaurants and other eateries, the duo went silent, and when they heard that the Portland Fire are making their WNBA return. Armisen said, “They haven’t been a team since 2002.” Brownstein added, “That’s awesome. Portland Fire reignited. Should we get season tickets?”
Kimberly Veale, Portland Fire’s senior vice president of marketing and communications, said, “We set out to do something that felt uniquely Portland, and set the tone for our debut season. Portlandia has such a strong connection to this city, and celebrating what it represents for Portland was the perfect way to unveil our schedule.”
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The Fire team was the first one to leave the league after spending just three seasons in the WNBA between 2000 and 2002.
Portland Fire Starts The Season With Tough Match Ups
Amid the CBA tensions, the WNBA released its schedule with the teams playing 44 games in the season. The expansion team will start its campaign with a game against the Chicago Sky on May 9, then will face the New York Liberty twice.
The 2026 debut season is lit 🔥
— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) January 21, 2026
Which game are you circling on your calendar? pic.twitter.com/6OLkAdplvC
After playing against two former champions, the team will complete its home stay with a game against the Connecticut Sun. Their first away game will be against Caitlin Clark and co. at the Gainbridge Arena and then travel north to face another expansion team, Toronto Tempo, on May 23.
The side will be waiting for the expansion draft to add its first player and also look to pick top players from the free agency to have a stronger side in its inaugural season.