Here’s a bold statement: Portland’s WNBA fans might just be the most passionate and loyal in the league, and their return alongside the Portland Fire in 2026 is a story you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some might argue that other cities have equally dedicated fanbases, former players, coaches, and executives unanimously agree that Portland’s supporters are in a league of their own. So, what makes them so special? Let’s dive in.
The Portland Fire’s comeback to the WNBA is still shrouded in anticipation, but one thing is crystal clear: the fans are ready. Former Portland Power player and local legend Katy Steding, now an assistant coach at Stanford, puts it bluntly: ‘We had the best fans in the whole country. Very loyal, super supportive, engaged in the game. They were knowledgeable, but they were always on our side.’ And she’s not alone in this sentiment. Whether you’re a hometown hero like Jenny Mowe or an outsider like Lin Dunn, who coached the Power after years in the South, the warmth and passion of Portland’s basketball community are undeniable.
And this is the part most people miss—Portland’s love for women’s basketball isn’t just a recent phenomenon. When the American Basketball League (ABL) folded in 1998, the Portland Power ranked second in league attendance. Linda Weston, the Power’s general manager, recalls a staggering 9,000 fans showing up for the team’s opening night in 1996—despite being a brand-new team with limited marketing. That’s dedication.
Sylvia Crawley, who played for both the Power and the Fire, shares a heartwarming tradition: Fire fans would stand in the Rose Garden (now Moda Center) until the team scored their first points. ‘We wanted to win so bad for them,’ Crawley says. ‘They would cheer and stand until we scored a basket.’ This kind of unwavering support even helped Crawley secure an invite to the 2000 WNBA All-Star Game, thanks to Portland fans petitioning the league after her name was initially left off the ballot. Talk about fan power!
Jackie Stiles, a Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer and former Fire standout, sums it up perfectly: ‘This community supported us so much. It was the best place in the WNBA to play.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where women’s sports are gaining more traction than ever, can Portland’s fanbase set a new standard for fan engagement across the league? Or is their loyalty a relic of a bygone era? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on what makes a fanbase truly exceptional.
