The return of the Portland Fire to the WNBA in 2026 is an exciting prospect, but building a successful expansion team is no easy feat. Former coach and general manager, Linda Hargrove, knows this all too well.
"It's a challenging journey," Hargrove shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive. "Starting from scratch and creating a competitive team is a tall order."
Hargrove's experience with the Fire, which lasted three seasons, showcased the team's potential. Despite Paul Allen's decision to disband the franchise in 2002, the Fire's final season (16-16) hinted at brighter days ahead.
"The expansion draft is a tricky starting point," Hargrove explained. "You're often left with bench players, those who weren't protected by their original teams. It's a challenge to find premier talent."
Furthermore, expansion teams are excluded from the draft lottery, meaning they miss out on high draft picks in their inaugural year. The Fire's first pick in 2000, Lynn Pride from Kansas, was selected at No. 7, a position they find themselves in again for the 2026 draft.
It wasn't until 2001, with the No. 4 pick, that the Fire landed Jackie Stiles, who went on to become Rookie of the Year and a standout player for the team.
"Free agency is key," Hargrove emphasized. "That's where we found some of our top players, like Sylvia Crawley, Michelle Marciniak, and Tully Bevilaqua. They were experienced, but perhaps overlooked by other WNBA teams."
Crawley, in particular, left an indelible mark on the Fire, holding career records in points, rebounds, and blocks. Twenty-three years after the original team's disbandment, it was Crawley who broke the news of the Fire's return to her former coach.
"She was thrilled when they named the team the Fire again," Hargrove recalled.
The Fire's connection with the Portland community was strong, and the fanbase reciprocated. Hargrove was surprised it took so long for the WNBA to return to Portland.
"Portland was a fantastic partner to the league," she said. "I'm glad to see the WNBA back here, and I know many others feel the same."
After her time with the Fire, Hargrove worked with the Washington Mystics, eventually becoming their general manager. She retired from basketball in 2008 but made a brief comeback as an interim coach at Wichita State in 2017. Today, she helps run ProHoops Sports & Events, organizing basketball camps and hosting WNBA preseason games in Wichita, Kansas.
Hargrove looks back on her time with the Fire fondly and hopes to witness the new team's success this year.
"It was an incredible three-year journey," she said. "Building the team from the ground up, hiring the right people, and seeing the team's growth was a unique and rewarding experience."
As the Portland Fire prepare for their comeback, the question remains: Can they replicate the success and community engagement of their predecessor? Only time will tell.
