Portland Fire WNBA team sees high attendance amid social controversy

The Portland Fire WNBA expansion team has seen significant local support, ranking fourth in the league with an average attendance of approximately 14,500 fans per game. The team, which refers to the Moda Center as the ‘Fire Pit’, benefits from Portland’s established history of supporting women’s sports, including the Portland Thorns and University of Portland soccer.

However, the team’s recent games have been marked by social controversy. During a July 31 match against the Indiana Fever, protesters gathered outside the Moda Center to counter-protest supporters of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham had previously drawn attention for comments regarding biological sex in women’s sports, stating she wanted to ‘protect young girls in a locker room.’

During the event, some fans reported being asked to leave the venue by security for wearing shirts containing anti-transphobia messages. While the atmosphere at the arena is described by players and coaching staff as highly energetic, the recent protests highlight the social tensions surrounding the team and its opponents.