Get ready, basketball fans, because the Portland Fire is making a blazing comeback! After a 24-year hiatus, the team is reigniting the court in 2026, and the excitement is palpable. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: the Fire’s debut season schedule isn’t just about games—it’s a full-court press of events, surprises, and even a touch of celebrity flair.
The Portland Fire will tip off their highly anticipated return on May 9, 2026, with a home game against the Chicago Sky at the Moda Center. This marks the franchise’s re-entry into the WNBA after more than two decades away, and the city is buzzing with anticipation. The full schedule, unveiled on Wednesday, includes 44 regular-season games, with 22 of those lighting up the Moda Center.
And this is the part most people miss: the schedule announcement wasn’t just a press release—it was a star-studded event. Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, the dynamic duo behind Portlandia, dropped a short film titled It’s Good to Be Back on social media, giving fans a creative and nostalgic way to celebrate the team’s return.
The Fire’s home schedule is packed with action, featuring seven weekend games and 15 weekday matchups at the Moda Center. But here’s a twist: the team isn’t just staying local. They’re going international! On August 21, the Fire will travel to Vancouver, BC, to face the Toronto Tempo at Rogers Arena, tipping off at 7 p.m. PT. It’s a bold move that highlights the WNBA’s growing global footprint.
For the first time ever, Portland will also compete in the Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season tournament running from June 2 to 17. This isn’t just any competition—it’s a chance for the Fire to prove themselves against Western Conference rivals, with four of their seven Cup games hosted at home. But here’s the controversial part: does this tournament distract from the regular season, or does it add an exciting layer of competition? Let us know what you think in the comments!
The Fire will host Phoenix on June 5, Las Vegas on June 11, Dallas on June 13, and Seattle on June 17 as part of the Cup. The top teams from each conference will then battle it out in the championship game on June 30, vying for a $500,000 prize pool. Talk about high stakes!
Mark your calendars for July 25, too, as the WNBA All-Star Game heads to Chicago’s United Center. While the Fire’s preseason schedule and broadcasting details are still under wraps, one thing’s for sure: this season is shaping up to be unforgettable.
So, what do you think? Is the Portland Fire’s return the spark the WNBA needs, or is it too soon to tell? Are international games a game-changer, or just a distraction? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
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