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Gabriel Granillo
Gabriel Granillo is a writer, editor, illustrator, and photographer living in Portland, Oregon. His journalism work focuses on arts and culture, lifestyle, and travel and outdoors.
Fire and Thorns Lead Women’s Sports in Portland
From the wild WNBA to raucous roller derby, the Rose City is home to some of the world’s most exciting women’s sports teams.
Gabriel Granillo
Gabriel Granillo is a writer, editor, illustrator, and photographer living in Portland, Oregon. His journalism work focuses on arts and culture, lifestyle, and travel and outdoors.
Portland has long been a sports town. While much of that sports history has been centered on male-dominated leagues, the success of the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the arrival of the Portland Fire (WNBA), the Cascade (AUSL), and the Cherry Bombs (pre- professional soccer) shine a light on the economic and cultural impact of women’s sports in the city, leading some to dub Portland the “epicenter of women’s sports.”
But the history of women’s sports in Portland stretches far back, from the Erv Lind Florists women’s softball team in the 1940s to the Lavender Menace, an openly queer, politically minded group who started softball, basketball, and volleyball teams in the 1970s. Now, women’s sports in Portland, from the pro to the pre-professional and everything in between, is driven by community and culture, with the old adage at heart that a rising tide lifts all boats.
“The more we can support one another and recognize the value every women’s sports organization brings to the table — that is going to help us all succeed in the long run,” says Portland Cherry Bombs general manager Courtney Schmidt. “More women’s sports will always be a good thing.”
From the wild WNBA to raucous roller derby, the Rose City is home to some of the world’s most exciting women’s sports teams.
Portland Fire
Basketball | May–October
A weekday Fire game at the Moda Center low-key feels like a playoff game. The energy is electric. Perhaps “on fire” is a better descriptor. While the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) expansion brought new fans and a reignited fervor for professional women’s basketball in the city, the embers of the Portland Fire were always there. The city’s first foray into the WNBA, also named the Portland Fire, was a short stint from 2000–2002, and while the team dissipated, the flame never did.
Since the early 2020s, there’d been a “will they, won’t they” relationship between Portland and the W, and in 2024 it was officially announced that Portland would be home to the WNBA’s new expansion, the league’s 15th team.
“We believe in the transformative power of women’s sports and are thrilled that the W will call Portland home,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, governor of the Portland Thorns and the Portland Fire, when the expansion team was announced. “Our goal is to grow this organization in partnership with the Portland community and we look forward to supporting the best women’s basketball players in the world when they take the floor at the Moda Center in 2026.”
The 2026 inaugural Fire season (can we call it inaugural if it’s technically a revival?) was met with adoring fans and a surprisingly tenacious team made up of two-way role players and a relentlessly defensive mindset that wears down opposing teams and is impossible not to root for.
Home Court: Moda Center
The Moda Center and its surrounding haunts in Northeast Portland’s Lloyd neighborhood are the place to be on game days. Come early for pre-tipoff shenanigans inside and outside the arena, and during the game, try to spot the infamous not-so-secret apartment high above the rafters. Don’t forget to participate in the wave ritual if there’s a coach’s challenge.
Several bars in the surrounding area are worth a pre- or post-game hang. Spirit of ‘77 for the more sports-minded. Billy Ray’s for the dive bar enthusiast. And lastly, The Garden Tavern for the obsessed hoopers.
Portland Thorns FC
Soccer | March–November
Arguably the catalyst for the domination of women’s sports in Portland, the Thorns are one of the world’s most celebrated professional women’s soccer teams. Since their establishment (along with the National Women’s Soccer League, or NWSL) in 2012, the city of Portland has rallied around the team, most notably with the Rose City Riveters, the official supporters’ group.
The Thorns have thus far secured three championships, including the inaugural 2013 NWSL championship against the New York Flash, and broken attendance records, leading the league from 2013–2021 and getting back on top in 2025. Safe to say Portland’s support of the Thorns is loud and unwavering.
Home Field: Providence Park
Credit: Edwin Nunez Drone Photography and Videography
Thorns games are raucous and riveting — pun intended. The Rose City Riveters keep the momentum flowing near the north end of the stadium with chants and tifo displays. Brush up on chants here before you go. Don’t be alarmed by the two strange faces outside Providence Park — they’re a series of sculptures by Michael Stutz. At first glance, they’re a little scary but actually represent “a celebration of joy and playfulness.”
After the match, grab a cocktail and roll for initiative at Mox Boarding House, a Parisian-inspired hub for all things board games. The Goose Hollow Inn offers a bit of classic Portland and boasts “the best Reuben on the planet.” If you’ve got some time to explore, the 410 acres of Washington Park house the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center, and so, so many trails.
Portland Cascade
Softball | June–July
Another recent Portland expansion team, the Cascade is the city’s first foray into the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) — only one of two expansion teams in the United States currently. The team’s inaugural 2026 season was promising, with an above-average regular season record of 14–11, a trip to the playoffs after securing the third seed, and six players being tapped to compete in the 2026 AUSL All Star Cup.
Just because the team is new doesn’t mean they’re without their home-game rituals and fan fair. Home games — many sold out — are packed with boisterous fans boasting blue and red face paint and highly decorative signs. Make sure you’re around for a Cascade home run, when the whole arena says “WHOOSH” as the batter stomps on home plate.
Home Field: Hillsboro Ballpark
Catty corner from the Hops Ballpark, where the Hillsboro Hops do their thing, you’ll find the Hillsboro Ballpark, a softball stadium which seats a few thousand comfortably. Grab local concessions between innings or during the seventh-inning stretch.
While in town, check out Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum, a truly huge collection featuring more than 600 pinball and arcade machines. Stop by Amelia’s near downtown Hillsboro for Mexican cuisine and then walk off the calories with a nice stroll down Main Street.
Portland Cherry Bombs
Soccer | May–June
Portland’s punk rock propensity is on full display with the city’s new pre-professional women’s soccer team, the Portland Cherry Bombs. Inspired by the ‘90s Riot Grrrl feminist punk movement popularized in the PNW, and by Portland’s DIY aesthetic, the Cherry Bombs emerged into Portland’s sports scene in 2026 with a bang — and a killer mascot.
From the surprisingly deep lore of its leather-clad mascot, Mary T. Cherry, to its partnership with Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and focus on women’s health, everything about the Cherry Bombs has been made with the intention of forming community and making that community feel represented.
“Our goal going into the season was to create a community in year one and create a space where people would go and feel safe to watch women’s sports and be welcomed no matter who they are, and we definitely did that,” says Cherry Bombs general manager Courtney Schmidt.
Home Field: Lents Park
Southeast’s Lents Park hosts both the Portland Bangers and the Portland Cherry Bombs. The park is also adjacent to the Walker Stadium, the home of the dill-ightfully rambunctious Portland Pickles baseball team. (Coincidentally, all three food-themed teams share ownership, which explains their similar-but-different vibes.)
Unlike some of the other locales in this article, Lents Park is not an arena or mega stadium, butthe Lents neighborhood is an underexplored gem of Southeast. Snag some cannoli and an espresso at Bella’s Italian Bakery to bring to the game — don’t forget to bring one for Mary. Leave Portland with a permanent souvenir and grab some new ink from Anatomy Tattoo, which does walk-in, cherry themed tattoos at the park during games. Then maybe hit up the very fun to say Zoiglhaus for some post-game brews. Or maybe play a game where you can actually touch the ball with your hands and bowl with the family at KingPins.
Rose City Rollers
Roller Derby | January–June
Roller derby is “a game of brutal beauty,” according to a sign hanging above the audience. Indeed, each bout elicits cheers and applause when jammers make dazzling maneuvers around the blockers, and “ooohs” when rollers collide. And so long as everyone’s OK, the refs’ whistles keep a-blowing and the wheels keep a-rolling.
Beyond the pro-wrestling-esque theatrics and the campy costumes and punny names for each player, the Rose City Rollers (RCR) have been a beacon of inclusivity, introducing women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals to the rowdy world of flat track roller derby. Since 2004, the RCR has grown to include more than 400 players, with four adult teams, two junior derby programs, competitive and recreational programs, and more.
Home Court: The Hangar at Oaks Park
Credit: Keith Connors
The RCR have called The Hangar, next to Oaks Park Skating Rink, home since 2009. Parking will cost you just a few bucks. There’s snacks and beverages on site and food carts in the back. At the end of the bout, dust the crumbs from your hands before you join the crowd to high-five the players. If you’re feeling inspired by the action, the historic Oaks Park Skating Rink is next door — just don’t hip check anyone. Oaks Park also offers carnival rides, mini golf, and more.
The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is a true beauty of southeast Portland, offering unparalleled views of the city along the river, surprisingly deep international fare, and unmatched antique shopping. For the music nerds, hit up The Record Pub for some new vinyl and pint of Northwest-focused beer. The unassuming Bible Club looks like just a house, but once you step inside you’re greeted with Prohibition-era flair and classic cocktails to match. Touch grass and birdwatch at the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, 170 acres of marshland that’s home to more than 150 birds, including the Great Blue Heron, Portland’s official bird.
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