KXRW and XRAY were inside Moda Center for the opening week of the Portland Fire’s return to the WNBA, capturing the atmosphere around one of the most anticipated new chapters in Portland basketball. More than 20 years after the original Fire played from 2000 to 2002, Portland women’s basketball is back — this time in a league experiencing major growth in attendance, television viewership, investment, and national attention.
This audio report looks at the reboot of the Portland Fire, the rise of the WNBA, and the early energy surrounding Portland’s newest professional sports franchise. The report covers the Fire’s sellout debut at Moda Center, their dramatic first win over the New York Liberty, and the bigger organizational vision behind RAJ Sports’ investment in women’s sports through both the Fire and Portland Thorns.
Featuring audio from Moda Center, comments from head coach Alex Sarama, and player perspectives from rookie Nyadiew Puoch and veteran Megan Gustafson, the report examines how the Fire are beginning to build identity, momentum, and connection with Portland fans in the first week of their new franchise era.
Produced and reported by Michael Sarno for KXRW 99.9 FM and XRAY FM.