The return of a WNBA team to Portland has sparked memories of the Fire, which gained a dedicated fan base in its short two-year run. Stiles, whose career was cut short by injuries, became a household name in Portland, and her connection to the city clearly resonated with Thompson, who spent his formative years in the Portland area.

The WNBA is headed back to Portland, with Oregon’s biggest city getting an expansion team that will begin play in 2026.