Expansion WNBA team brings back the original Portland Fire name
Article content
The WNBA expansion franchise, which begins play next next season along with the Toronto Tempo, announced its name and branding on Tuesday — reviving the moniker of the city's previous WNBA team that played from 2000 to 2002.
Article content
'Our feeling is that the fire never died,' interim Fire president Clare Hamill said. 'Fans have been waiting for us to come back, and we're back with the Portland Fire.'
Article content
In addition to the name, the team has a new 'Rose on Fire' logo and a color palette of red, brown, blue and pink.
Article content
Article content
Welcome the Portland Fire
Tip-off in 2026. pic.twitter.com/GFpaZg8pvU
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 15, 2025
Article content
Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft who passed away in 2018, was chairman of the original Fire and the two teams played at the Rose Garden, now the Moda Center.
Article content
The NBA owned the WNBA teams until 2002, then sold them to affiliated NBA teams or independent owners. Allen declined to buy the Fire and the team folded.
Article content
Portland was awarded a new WNBA team last September. The team is run by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League. They paid $125 million for the WNBA franchise.
Article content
The Fire and the Thorns will share a new joint-training facility in the first such partnership between the two women's leagues.
Article content
The Fire have already sold more than 11,000 season tickets, surpassing the WNBA's previous best. The team will play at the Moda Center, where the original Fire averaged some 8,000 fans a game.
Article content
But the launch of the team hasn't been smooth.
Indications that the team planned to return to the Fire name were previously revealed when a local publication, the Rose Garden Report, published the team's trademark application.
Article content
The team's president, Inky Son, parted ways with the team late last month after less than three months on the job. Son was announced as the first employee of the team in early April, tasked with leading all aspects of the business, including marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, and community relations.
Article content
The Toronto Tempo, meanwhile, announced a team name back in December and have already hired a general manager.
Article content
Hamill, a former Nike executive, took over for Son until a permanent president can be found. She said the launch of the team name and logo is just a slice of what the team is activating on Tuesday.
Article content
'We're pointing everybody to the launch and the pace at which we're moving, and just giving everyone confidence that we have our arms around it,' Hamill said. 'We're moving fast, and you're going to hear from us a lot.'
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
2 Scenarios That Could Send Bitcoin to $150,000, or Crash It Back to $45,000
Key Points Bitcoin smashing past its all-time highs is likely, but not guaranteed. If a set of interlocking bearish catalysts occur, the coin's price will fall sharply. Trade policy and inflation are the two big things that could rain on the parade. 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin › Trying to forecast Bitcoin 's (CRYPTO: BTC) next big move is often easier than it seems, as long as you're willing to entertain multiple possibilities. Today, as always, the coin's balance depends on forces far bigger than crypto itself. At one end is a flood of global liquidity and ravenous demand from institutional investors. On the other is an inflationary flare-up that could wreck risk appetite and expose a fragile new crop of highly leveraged "Bitcoin treasury" companies. Investors need to understand both possibilities before deciding whether to buy more, trim, or simply hang on. Global liquidity could fire a run to $150,000 Central banks have already started cutting the prime interest rate at which they lend to their national banks. In doing so, they reduce the cost of borrowing money, which has the effect of encouraging capital to chase riskier investments as safer yields from government bonds become lower. In this vein, the European Central Bank (ECB) delivered its second reduction of its interest rate in early June and signaled at least one more cut before year-end. The Federal Reserve in the U.S. has been flirting with rate cuts of its own and now faces pressure from the president to do so. Thus, further reductions to the interest rate are likely inevitable, though not necessarily happening this month or next. That incoming monetary swell is meeting a brand-new demand pipe in the form of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold Bitcoin. Those products soaked up another $1 billion of inflows in the week ending July 7, capping 12 straight weeks of inflows. Bitcoin used to rely on retail investor fervor to drive its price higher, but now it enjoys institutional autopilot bids every time brokers rebalance. Meanwhile, its supply growth is running on fumes, and it'll only get worse over time. Since the April 2024 halving, miners have been creating just 450 new coins per day, down from 900 before -- and more than they'll ever create in the future once the next halving kicks in sometime in early 2028. With 93% of all coins already mined, the float keeps shrinking even as ETF issuers, corporates, and long-term holders squirrel more away. Put liquidity, ETF flows, and hard-coded scarcity together, and the math gets euphoric for holders. From today's roughly $109,000 price, only a 37% climb is needed to clear $150,000. If interest rate cuts accelerate and fund inflows stay anywhere near current run rates, that threshold could arrive faster than most expect. Stagflation could knock this asset back to $45,000 or even lower There's a darker path here, and it behooves investors to understand how it could play out because it could be quite grim, at least temporarily. President Trump's July tariff schedule threatens levies as high as 25% to 70% on major trading partners, a move economists warn could reignite inflation just as headline prices were cooling. If inflation stays sticky as a result of these tariffs, the Federal Reserve may kill or put off its own rate-cut plans, bond yields could stretch back toward 5%, and the dollar would strengthen. Sharp moves in yields historically sap appetite for risk assets, including Bitcoin, and a stronger dollar has historically not been favorable for the asset either. There's another pair of risks here. In theory, the coin is an inflation hedge, yet it has stumbled during previous yield spikes when liquidity dried up and margin calls snowballed. A fresh stress point has emerged as dozens of newly listed Bitcoin treasury companies that borrow in dollars to buy coins. Their convertible bond capital structures work only if Bitcoin keeps climbing. A sharp drop could force emergency sales and hands upside to creditors. Many of the 50-plus Bitcoin treasury newcomers of 2025 could thus implode in the next downturn. If a leveraged unwind coincides with tighter monetary policy, Bitcoin's price could cascade to the mid-$40,000s, a roughly 59% drop from today. Which outcome is more likely? Thankfully for holders, the balance of evidence still tilts firmly toward a very bullish picture for Bitcoin here. Central banks outside the U.S. are already easing, global liquidity is edging higher, and ETF demand shows no sign of fatigue. Buy this coin, and hold it for the foreseeable future and beyond. When you do, just remember that volatility is the toll you pay for Bitcoin's long-run scarcity story. If you can stomach a potential detour to $45,000, the road to $150,000 or beyond will look surprisingly well-paved. Should you invest $1,000 in Bitcoin right now? Before you buy stock in Bitcoin, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Bitcoin wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $671,477!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,010,880!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor 's total average return is1,047% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to180%for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 7, 2025
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Durable Toys Reaches Milestone: 3000 Verified Customer Reviews and Near-Perfect 5.0-Star Rating for Long-Lasting Dog Products
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2025) - With over 3000 verified customer reviews and a near-perfect 5.0-star rating, Durable Toys is quickly gaining national recognition for its robust, thoughtfully designed dog toys and accessories. As more pet owners seek durable, safe, and enriching products for their dogs, the brand has emerged as a trusted name in the pet product industry Tough toys dogs love. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: From energetic puppies to power chewers, Durable Toys offers long-lasting solutions that meet the needs of every dog-while also meeting the expectations of pet parents who want the best for their companions. "We set out to design toys that withstand the toughest chewers while keeping safety and fun front and center," said Ethan Money for Durable Toys. "Everything we create is focused on promoting healthier, happier dogs." Tough on Chewers, Gentle on Pets What makes Durable Toys stand out is its combination of non-toxic, BPA-free, and veterinarian-approved materials with smart design elements that promote dental health, mental stimulation, and active play. The collection includes ultra-resilient chew toys, interactive puzzle feeders, fetch toys, and tug-of-war ropes-all engineered for safety and long-lasting use. Trusted by Pet Lovers Nationwide With a growing fan base that includes dog trainers, shelters, dog daycares, and working dog organizations, Durable Toys has built trust through consistent product performance and transparent quality standards. Their use of eco-conscious materials and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices also resonate with today's environmentally aware consumers. The brand's success is reflected in its widespread customer satisfaction, with pet owners frequently praising the toys for their durability, design, and ability to keep even the most energetic dogs engaged. Tailored for Every Dog Playtime with Durable Toys. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Whether shopping for teething puppies or large breeds with powerful jaws, pet parents can easily find products based on dog size, chewing behavior, and play style at the company's official website. All items are rigorously tested and backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Shop the Full Collection Discover the full line of Durable Toys and accessories at Free shipping and bundle discounts are available for select purchases. About Durable Toys Durable Toys is a U.S.-based company committed to designing high-performance dog toys and accessories that promote safety, wellness, and longevity. With a focus on responsible materials and innovative design, Durable Toys continues to raise the bar for what pet owners can expect from their favorite products. Media Contact:
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Trump sets 19% tariff on Indonesia goods in latest deal, EU readies retaliation
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the U.S. would impose a 19 per cent tariff on goods from Indonesia under a new agreement with the Southeast Asian country and more deals were coming, while offering fresh details on planned duties on pharmaceuticals. Trump announced the pact with Indonesia, a relatively minor U.S. trading partner, as he continued to press for what he views as better terms with trading partners and ways to shrink a huge U.S. trade deficit. Letters setting tariff rates for dozens of smaller countries were also coming soon, he said on Tuesday. The deal with Indonesia is among the handful struck so far by the Trump administration ahead of an August 1 deadline when duties on most U.S. imports are due to rise again. The accord came as the top U.S. trading partner - the European Union - readied retaliatory measures should talks with Washington fail. As that deadline approached, negotiations were under way with other nations eager to avoid more U.S. levies beyond a baseline 10 per cent on most goods that has been in place since April. Trump's roll-out of the policies has often been chaotic. His moves have upended decades of negotiated reductions in global trade barriers, unsettling international financial markets and threatening a new wave of inflation. Based on Trump tariff announcements through Sunday, Yale Budget Lab estimated the U.S. effective average tariff rates will rise to 20.6 per cent from between 2 per cent and 3 per cent before Trump's return to the White House in January. Consumption shifts would bring the rate down to 19.7 per cent, but it's still the highest since 1933. Trump outlined an Indonesia deal similar to a preliminary pact struck recently with Vietnam, with a flat tariff on exports to the U.S. roughly double the current 10 per cent and no levies on U.S. exports going there. It also included a penalty rate for so-called transhipments of goods from China via Indonesia and a commitment to buy some U.S. goods. 'They are going to pay 19 per cent and we are going to pay nothing ... we will have full access into Indonesia, and we have a couple of those deals that are going to be announced,' Trump said outside the Oval Office. Trump later said on his Truth Social platform that Indonesia had agreed to buy US$15 billion of U.S. energy products, $4.5 billion of American farm products and 50 Boeing jets, though no time frame was specified. He told reporters the deal with Vietnam was 'pretty well set' but said it was not necessary to release details. Trump: India talks moving the same way Indonesia's total trade with the U.S. - totalling just under $40 billion in 2024 - does not rank in the top 15, but it has been growing. U.S. exports to Indonesia rose 3.7 per cent last year, while imports from there were up 4.8 per cent, leaving the U.S. with a goods trade deficit of nearly $18 billion. The top U.S. import categories from Indonesia, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from the International Trade Centre's TradeMap tool, last year were palm oil, electronics equipment including data routers and switches, footwear, car tires, natural rubber and frozen shrimp. Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, told Reuters in a text message: 'We are preparing a joint statement between U.S. and Indonesia that will explain the size of reciprocal tariff for Indonesia including the tariff deal, non-tariff and commercial arrangements. We will inform (the public) soon.' Trump had threatened the country with a 32 per cent tariff rate starting August 1 in a letter sent to its president last week. He sent similar letters to about two dozen trading partners this month, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, laying out tariff rates ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent, plus a 50 per cent tariff on copper. Speaking in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Trump said he favored blanket tariffs over complicated negotiations, but his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were keen to land more trade agreements. Upon his arrival back in Washington, Trump told reporters that letters would be going out soon for many smaller countries, suggesting they would face a tariff of 'a little over 10 per cent.' He said his administration would also announce tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the United States, probably at the end of the month, starting with what he called a low tariff rate to give companies time to move manufacturing to the U.S. before imposing a 'very high tariff' in a year or so. The August 1 deadline gives targeted countries time to negotiate about lower tariff rates. Some economists have also noted Trump's pattern of backing off his tariff threats. Since launching his tariff policy, Trump has clinched only a few 'framework' agreements, falling short of earlier promises to land '90 deals in 90 days.' So far, such deals have been reached with the U.K. and Vietnam, and an interim deal has been struck with China to forestall the steepest of Trump's tariffs while negotiations continue between Washington and Beijing. Trump said talks with India were moving 'along that same line,' saying the agreement would give U.S. firms access to the large Indian market. EU readies retaliation The breakthrough with Indonesia came as the European Commission, which oversees trade for the EU, prepared to target 72 billion euros ($84.1 billion) worth of U.S. goods - from Boeing aircraft and bourbon whiskey to cars - for possible tariffs if trade talks with Washington fail. Trump has threatened a 30 per cent tariff on imports from the EU from August 1, a level European officials say is unacceptable and would end normal trade between two of the world's largest markets. The list, sent to EU member states and seen by Reuters on Tuesday, pre-dated Trump's move over the weekend to ramp up pressure on the 27-nation bloc and responded instead to U.S. duties on cars and car parts and a 10 per cent baseline tariff. The package also covers chemicals, medical devices, electrical and precision equipment as well as agriculture and food products - a range of fruits and vegetables, along with wine, beer and spirits - valued at 6.35 billion euros. Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and David Lawder and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Additional reporting by Steve Holland in Washington; Richard Lough in Paris; Amanda Teresia, Stefanno Sulaiman and Gayatri Suroyo in Jakarta; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Chizu Nomiyama, Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates.
