Portland Fire Appears to be Name for the WNBA Franchise

Sean Highkin posted to social media that the WNBA has submitted three trademark applications using the Portland Fire name.

The applications are in two general categories, one for clothing, footwear and other apparel, and the other that covers “sporting and cultural activities”.

Using the Portland Fire trademark would resurrect the name used by the WNBA team that existed in Portland between 2000 and 2002. The original franchise played three seasons, compiling a 37-59 record and failing to ever make the playoffs.

While trademark filings can be an early tipoff for team names that are eventually adopted, it isn’t uncommon that trademark fillings are made for names that are never used. RAJ Sports, owners of the new WNBA franchise in Portland, have not yet commented.