Potential New Expansion Team Revealed After WNBA Files Trademark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 4:16 PM ET

The WNBA continues its push for growth and expansion. This year marked the inaugural season for the Golden State Valkyries, bringing the league to 13 teams and setting a new attendance record for a team’s first three home games.

But the league isn’t stopping there. Two more expansion teams are set to join in 2026. Toronto has already announced its team name — the Toronto Tempo — while the Portland-based team has yet to make an official announcement.

On Thursday, word spread that the Portland group filed a trademark for the name "Portland Fire," a key step in the approval process before making it official. While there is a chance it is denied, it is unlikely.

The WNBA has filed three new trademark applications related to the Portland Fire. It would appear that the expansion team will be returning to the name the Portland WNBA franchise used from 2000 to 2002. pic.twitter.com/zeU8miW0PM
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) June 19, 2025

The name Portland Fire was originally used for the WNBA team that played in the city from 2000-02. Unfortunately, the organization struggled financially, losing about $1 million a year. After folding, its players were redistributed to other teams through a dispersal draft.

The Fire competed for three seasons, finishing with records of 10-22, 11-21, and 16-16. Some of their notable players included Sophia Witherspoon, Sylvia Crawley, Jackie Stiles, DeMya Walker, Ticha Penicheiro and Rita Williams.

The WNBA certainly plans to expand beyond 15 teams. Cities reportedly in the mix include Cleveland, Nashville, Philadelphia, Houston and others.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert admitted it's not an easy process to expand.

"These can either take a very long time to negotiate or it can happen pretty quickly if you find the right ownership group with the right arena situation," Engelbert said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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