The WNBA Season is now nearly four months away, subject to the CBA confirmation. The league’s announcement came as a surprise to many, and players like A’ja Wilson and Azura Stevens questioned the WNBA’s decision. But it will be good news for the expansion teams, Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, who are awaiting their expansion draft and free agency to get the training sessions underway.
Amid this, these franchises also require significant background work, including training facilities, sponsors, and confirmation of local broadcast partners. The Portland Fire ticked one of these requirements.
Chime To Serve As Portland Fire Jersey Sponsor
The 15th franchise of the league announced that Chime will serve as one of its jersey sponsors for the team’s inaugural WNBA season this spring. The financial technology company’s logo will appear on the left shoulder of all three editions of the Fire’s 2026 jerseys.
“Chime understands that with the return of the Portland Fire comes a responsibility to honor our history while intentionally building for the future,” said Chime’s Interim President Clare Hamill.
Hey new flame @theportlandfire 💚❤️
— Chime (@Chime) January 27, 2026
Hard launching our partnership as the official Banking and Credit Partner of the Portland Fire. pic.twitter.com/ZObjYFbdVH
Chime Chief Growth Officer, Vineet Mehra, also spoke on the partnership and said, “Women’s sports are setting the pace for what modern fandom and community look like. The Portland Fire embodies that shift. Our partnership isn’t about branding – it’s about backing the future of the game, showing up for a passionate community, and helping build something that lasts for generations.”
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
As part of the partnership, Chime members will have access to Chime Lane, an exclusive VIP entrance to Moda Center.
Portland Fire Comes With Unique Campaign For Its Debut Season
The franchise chose experienced coaching staff, including Sylvia Fowles, but came up with an innovative campaign to attract fans, and has already gone viral for its hilarious introduction. Using its two stars, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the franchise created a campaign that binds two eras of the franchise.
The duo had a small, fun chat on ‘Vegan Restaurants and other eateries, after which they went silent 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?”
The Portland team played in the league from 2000 to 2002 and was the first one to leave the league, too.