WNBA makes long-awaited return to Portland [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — It’s been a 22-year wait, but the WNBA is finally returning to Portland.

The official announcement came down Wednesday morning that the Women’s National Basketball Association has awarded an expansion franchise to Portland. The team will begin play in the 2026 season.

A team name and logo will be announced at a later date. During a Wednesday news conference at the Moda Center, Lisa Bhathal Merage, who will serve as controlling owner and WNBA governor of the new Portland WNBA team, said they plan to involve the community in the process of choosing a name for the team.

Portland had a WNBA team for three seasons, from 2000 until the team folded following the 2002 season. The Portland Fire were a popular draw, with more than 8,000 fansattending games at the …