Get ready for a basketball showdown that’s been two decades in the making! The Portland-Seattle rivalry is reigniting in the WNBA, and it’s about to get intense. After 18 long years, the Portland Fire is making its triumphant return to the league in 2026, and with it comes the revival of a historic clash with the Seattle Storm. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just any rivalry—it’s a battle that dates back to the early 2000s, with roots stretching even further into the pre-WNBA era. And this is the part most people miss: before the WNBA, the Portland Power and Seattle Reign were already trading blows in the American Basketball League, setting the stage for what would become one of the most electrifying matchups in women’s basketball.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this rivalry truly about basketball, or is it a reflection of the deeper cultural and regional pride between Portland and Seattle? Let’s dive in.
The last time these two teams faced off was on August 9, 2002, marking the end of an era—until now. The Fire and Storm are set to reignite the flames with a preseason game in Seattle on April 29, 2026, followed by a Commissioner’s Cup matchup in Portland on June 17. The regular season will see them clash three more times: July 4 in Seattle, August 8 in Portland, and August 14 back in Seattle. Mark your calendars—this is going to be epic.
A Rivalry Reborn: The Early 2000s Showdowns
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive the moments that defined this rivalry. On June 3, 2000, the Portland Fire kicked things off with a 65-58 victory over the Seattle Storm in Seattle. Sylvia Crawley led the charge with 18 points, while the Storm struggled with a dismal 35% shooting percentage. But here’s the kicker: Despite Edna Campbell’s 18-point effort, Seattle’s 1-of-11 performance from three-point range sealed their fate. This game set the tone for what would become a fiercely competitive series.
Fast forward to June 23, 2000, and the Fire secured another win, 72-61, thanks to Crawley’s 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. The Storm’s Katrina Hibbert shone with 17 points off the bench, but Portland’s 27-of-34 free throws proved to be the difference. And this is the part most people miss: The Fire’s ability to capitalize on free throws became a recurring theme in their early victories.
August 6, 2000, brought the first—and only—overtime game in the series. Seattle’s Sonja Henning hit a clutch 11-foot jumper to tie the game at 52-52, and the Storm pulled away in OT for a 66-58 win. Charmin Smith’s three-pointer in overtime was the dagger, while Portland’s 21 turnovers didn’t help their cause. Bold prediction: This game was a turning point that showed Seattle could match Portland’s intensity.
The 2001 season saw mixed results. On June 19, 2001, the Fire dominated with a 58-43 win, holding Seattle to a shocking 29.8% shooting percentage. Tully Bevilaqua’s 12 points and Kristin Folkl’s double-double led the way. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Portland’s defense truly that dominant, or did Seattle simply have an off night? The debate continues.
Seattle struck back on July 4, 2001, with a 61-56 victory. Jackie Stiles exploded for 18 points, but Portland’s 32% field goal percentage sealed their fate. And this is the part most people miss: This game marked the first time Stiles became a factor in the rivalry, foreshadowing her future impact.
The final 2001 matchup on July 20, 2001, ended with a 56-49 Fire win, thanks to Sophia Witherspoon’s 21-point explosion. Bold question: Was Witherspoon the most underrated player in this rivalry? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The 2002 season opened with a bang as Seattle took the first game 57-47 on June 2, 2002. Sue Bird’s 14 points and five assists set the tone, while Portland’s 0-of-11 three-point shooting was their downfall. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did Portland underestimate Seattle’s growth as a team? The Fire bounced back on June 11, 2002, with a 70-63 win, led by Ukari Figgs’ 16 points. Bird’s 19 points couldn’t be enough, as Seattle’s 36.2% shooting percentage doomed them.
The final game of the original series on August 9, 2002, saw Seattle dominate 83-74. Sue Bird’s 33 points and Lauren Jackson’s 23-point, 13-rebound double were too much for Portland. And this is the part most people miss: This game showcased Bird’s potential as a future Hall of Famer, but it also highlighted Portland’s rebounding struggles—a recurring issue.
The Pre-WNBA Roots: A Rivalry Before the Rivalry
Long before the WNBA, the Portland Power and Seattle Reign battled in the American Basketball League. Former coach Lin Dunn recalled, “Well, they were awesome. I mean there was a natural rivalry there because we had that rivalry with the Power and the Reign.” These ABL matchups laid the foundation for the WNBA clashes. Bold question: Did the ABL rivalry actually fuel the intensity of the WNBA games? Share your thoughts below.
As we gear up for 2026, one thing is clear: this rivalry is more than just basketball—it’s a battle for regional pride, legacy, and dominance. But here’s where it gets controversial: With the return of the Fire, will Seattle’s dominance in soccer and other sports be enough to balance the scales, or will Portland’s basketball resurgence tip the rivalry in their favor? Let the games begin, and let the debate ignite. What’s your take?
