Unearthed trademark application may have revealed Portland's WNBA name
The WNBA can try as hard as it may, but hiding potential team names doesn't seem to be something that's working very well for any new expansion franchises.
In December 2024, as the world was waiting for the league's Toronto team to reveal its name, some crafty fans beat the organization and the WNBA to it. How did that happen? A glitch in the league's site. The name "Toronto Tempo" was found hidden within the inner search functions, and the speculation went off the rails quickly. The organization was forced to confirm the name days later.
The latest case might not be exactly the same thing, but it's another possible team name leak ― the second within the last six months. The Rose Garden Report's Sean Highkin, who initially reported that the city of Portland was getting a WNBA team, also unearthed new Portland-related trademark applications by the WNBA. The applications appear to be for the name "Portland Fire" and a possible logo, indicating that the league potentially plans to re-use the iconic name. The Portland Fire franchise ran from 2000 to 2002 before folding.
The news of such a discovery permeated WNBA circles, and eventually, there were lots of feelings related to the news.
It's unclear whether the league actually plans to use the name, but the Portland social account on X shared a countdown to an announcement on July 15. (Do with this information what you will.)
Regardless, it's time to govern yourselves accordingly. There's possible action afoot.
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