Portland’s incoming WNBA franchise has made a major change at the top less than a year before it takes the floor for the first time.
Portland’s incoming WNBA franchise is blazing a new trail.
The unnamed franchise announced the departure of team president Inky Son this week, replacing her with former Nike executive Clare Hamill on an interim basis.
“During her brief but impactful tenure, Son helped lay the foundation for the franchise’s presence in Portland, shaping its early business operations and community engagement efforts,” a statement from parent company RAJ Sports, headed by siblings Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, read. “Son will return to New York, where she was previously based, and the organization thanks her for her leadership during this important phase and wishes her success in her next chapter.”
Prior to her brief Portland entry, Son previously held roles in both the Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association players’ unions. Hamill ends a brief retirement upon her entry, having previously served in Nike’s affairs for over four decades.
Portland has yet to fill its general manager and head coaching vacancies, less than a year before its return to WNBA action.
10K season ticket deposits made ✅
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The move leaves Portland without a full-time name in the primary front office with the reveal of its franchise identity looming next month. Rumors persist that the team, set to join the WNBA with the Toronto Tempo next season, will resurrect the Portland Fire branding over two decades after the squad last took to Pacific Northwest hardwood.
Son’s exit less than three months took the job ends a landmark week on a bit of a sour note: earlier this week, Portland announced that it had reached over 10,000 season ticket deposits as it prepares for a return to Moda Center, which previously housed the Fire during its original run (2000-02).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags