The WNBA is back for its landmark 30th season, and the opening weekend is packed with storylines you won't want to miss. On Saturday night, the Portland Fire will make their long-awaited return to the league as an expansion team, hosting the completely revamped Chicago Sky at the Moda Center. This isn't just a season opener—it's a fresh start for two franchises heading in very different directions.
For Portland, this is a homecoming. The Fire previously played in the WNBA from 2000 to 2002, and now they're back with new ownership and a bold new identity. All eyes are on head coach Alex Sarama's innovative system, which pushes the modern analytics playbook to its limits by prioritizing nothing but layups and three-pointers. The Fire built their roster through the expansion draft, landing versatile forward Bridget Carleton first overall, then quickly signing veteran guard Karlie Samuelson. They'll also count on Maya Caldwell, Emily Engster, and Megan Gustafson to set the tone in this inaugural campaign.
Meanwhile, Chicago has taken a "win-now" approach that has reshaped the entire roster. The Sky traded young star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream and waived 2025 first-round pick Hailey Van Lith, opting instead for a veteran-heavy lineup. Seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins leads a group that includes Azurá Stevens, DiJonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and Natasha Cloud. After a disappointing 10-win season last year, the Sky are betting on experience to turn things around quickly.
Both teams went winless in the preseason at 0-2, but don't let that fool you—this matchup is full of intrigue. Portland joins the league alongside the expansion Toronto Tempo, and they'll be looking to replicate the instant success of last year's expansion darlings, the Golden State Valkyries, who shocked everyone by making the playoffs in their very first season.
Whether you're a die-hard WNBA fan or just getting into the game, this is the kind of season opener that sets the tone for everything to come. Don't miss a second of the action.
Ready to watch? You can stream the Chicago Sky vs. Portland Fire game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. Fubo carries all the channels you'll need to follow the WNBA all season long, including ESPN, ABC, Ion, and NBA TV, plus local team coverage. Just remember that regional restrictions may apply.