The WNBA is about to reignite a fiery rivalry! Prepare for the clash of the Pacific Northwest titans as the Portland Fire and Seattle Storm rekindle their historic feud on the basketball court.
After an 18-year hiatus, the rivalry is set to resume in 2026, marking a significant moment in women's basketball. The Fire, returning to the WNBA, will face the Storm, reigniting a competition that has been dormant since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City. But the rivalry lives on, and the anticipation is palpable.
Here's a glimpse into the past:
June 3, 2000: The Fire and Storm clashed in Seattle, with Portland overcoming a halftime deficit to secure a 65-58 victory. Sylvia Crawley led the way with 18 points, showcasing the Fire's resilience.
June 23, 2000: Portland continued their dominance with a 72-61 win. Crawley's double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds) and the Fire's free-throw prowess (27/34) sealed the deal.
August 6, 2000: Seattle fought back in a thrilling overtime battle, winning 66-58. Sonja Henning's buzzer-beater forced OT, and Charmin Smith's 3-pointer in the extra period secured the Storm's victory.
June 19, 2001: Portland's defense shone in a 58-43 win, holding Seattle to a mere 29.8% field goal percentage. Tully Bevilaqua led the Fire with 12 points.
July 4, 2001: The Storm turned the tables with a 61-56 win, as Jackie Stiles scored 18 points, showcasing her offensive prowess.
July 20, 2001: Portland finished the 2001 season with a 56-49 victory, led by Sophia Witherspoon's 21 points, including five 3-pointers.
June 2, 2002: Seattle dominated early, taking an 18-2 lead and winning 57-47. Crawley's 16 points couldn't save the Fire from a poor shooting night.
June 11, 2002: Portland bounced back with a 70-63 win, led by Ukari Figgs' 16 points and Crawley's all-around performance.
August 9, 2002: The Storm claimed the final game, 83-74, with Sue Bird's 33 points and Lauren Jackson's double-double (23 points, 13 rebounds) dominating the boards.
But here's where it gets interesting: the rivalry predates the WNBA! The Portland Power and Seattle Reign battled in the American Basketball League, setting the stage for the WNBA's most anticipated comeback.
And this is the part most fans have been waiting for:
The Fire and Storm will face off in a preseason game on April 29, 2026, in Seattle, followed by a Commissioner's Cup game on June 17 in Portland. The regular season matchups on July 4, August 8, and August 14 will be must-watch events.
As the rivalry reignites, fans can expect intense competition, memorable moments, and a celebration of women's basketball. Will the Fire rise from the ashes, or will the Storm reign supreme? The court will decide, and the fans will be on the edge of their seats.
What do you think? Are you Team Fire or Team Storm? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments, and get ready for a historic WNBA season!
