As Oregon grapples with economic challenges in the post-pandemic era, local leaders are increasingly viewing women’s sports as a potential driver of growth and community revitalization. The sustained success of the Portland Thorns and the anticipated arrival of the city’s new WNBA franchise, the Portland Fire, are converging at a time when policymakers are seeking new avenues for economic stimulation.
OPB’s Kyra Buckley reports that grassroots enthusiasm for women’s athletics—from youth leagues to collegiate programs—has created a strong foundation for professional expansion. Seven-time WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike, alongside Olympic champion Diana Taurasi, previously predicted that Portland’s deep-rooted support would attract investors to launch a top-tier women’s basketball team. Less than a year later, that vision became reality.
The return of professional women’s basketball to the city is now seen as more than just a cultural milestone—it may also serve as an economic catalyst. Stadium events, merchandise sales, tourism, and media rights could generate significant revenue and job opportunities. Moreover, increased visibility for female athletes may inspire broader social and commercial engagement.
While the state’s overall economy continues to face headwinds, the momentum in women’s sports offers a promising path forward. Investment in infrastructure, marketing, and community programming around these teams could amplify their impact beyond the court.
— news from Oregon Public Broadcasting – OPB
— News Original —
OPB’s First Look: Women’s sports could be an economic win for Portland
Subscribe to OPB’s First Look to receive Northwest news in your inbox six days a week. n nGood morning, Northwest. n nThe continued success of the Portland Thorns and growing excitement around the city’s future WNBA team, the Portland Fire, are converging at a moment when local and state leaders are searching for an economic boost. n nOPB’s Kyra Buckley reports on Oregon’s efforts to redefine its post-pandemic economy — and how women’s sports could play a key role. n nIn other news, organizers of the grand menorah lighting event in Portland’s Pioneer Square added extra security following a deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. n nHere’s your First Look at Monday’s news. n n—Chrissy Booker n nOregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline n nMonths before Oregonians learned that professional women’s basketball would be returning to Portland, seven-time WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike made a prediction. n nOgwumike, sitting alongside six-time Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi, predicted that Portland’s grassroots support for women’s sports – including at the high school and college levels – would convince an investor to bring a WNBA team to the Rose City. n nIt would take less than a year for that prophecy to come true. n nWomen’s sports could become a crucial piece of the city’s reckoning with a post-pandemic economy. (Kyra Buckley) n nLearn more n n✉️ Are you enjoying First Look? Forward this email your friends. n n3 things to know this morning n nA person of interest detained after a Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine will be released, authorities said last night. (Associated Press) n nTwo gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration on a Sydney beach Sunday, killing at least 15 people in what Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an act of antisemitism and terrorism. (Associated Press) n nOregon Jewish groups introduced last-minute additional security protocols to an annual menorah lighting in Portland’s Pioneer Square last night after the Australia shooting. (Lillian Karabaic) n nEnvironmental hazard, someone’s floating home, or both? n nWhat happens when boats are abandoned in the water and start falling apart? “Oregon Field Guide” producer Noah Thomas joins us abandoned and derelict vessels. (Julie Sabatier and Noah Thomas) n nListen n nHeadlines from around the Northwest n nIs the Pacific Northwest ready for a wave of climate migration? (Monica Nickelsburg) n nJudge pauses Trump administration’s noise restrictions against Eugene protesters (Nathan Wilk) n nLong path to recovery ahead for areas hit by Washington’s record floods (Jake Goldstein-Street and Jerry Cornfield) n n150-year-old seed company in Washington helps reforest in the face of climate change (Bellamy Pailthorp) n nGrant and Sharpe each score 35 points to help the Blazers beat the Warriors 136-131 (Anne M. Peterson) n nListen in on OPB’s daily conversation n n“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. n nHanukkah Rave lights up Portland ahead of the Jewish Festival of Lights n nThe evening before the first night of Hanukkah, a several-foot-long blow-up menorah glowed in the corner of the dance floor inside a downtown Portland bar. n nElectronic music, weaving Hebrew songs into the mix, blared as dozens of people danced all over the room. n nThis “Hanukkah Rave” was Assaf Mevorach’s way of celebrating the Jewish festival of lights this year. n nFor many, lighting the menorah is probably what first comes to mind to commemorate the storied miracle of just one vial of oil lasting eight full days after the Jewish Maccabean Revolt in Jerusalem. n nWhile a rave isn’t traditional by any means, Mevorach says that people coming together on the dance floor can glow brightly in dark times, just like the collective light of the menorah candles. (Crystal Ligori) n nLearn more