A case for the Portland Fire as a good WNBA team name — and a rebuttal

The revelation that Portland’s WNBA team seems to be moving toward resurrecting the ‘Fire’ — the name of the team’s predecessor from 2000-02 — has sparked much conversation and debate, that is as true on the Oregonian Sports Podcast as it is on social media. Bill Oram argues that the Fire isn’t a good enough name to offset the various ways it is problematic, while Brenna Greene of KOIN argues that it’s a nostalgia play that resonates with fans. Who is right? Listen to the episode to decide for yourself. Also discussed on this week’s podcast: • If not the Fire, what brand identity should the WNBA franchise have landed on? • Brenna is home from Omaha, where the Beavers disappointed in the Men’s College World Series • Why OSU’s season bodes well for the school’s future • Does Indiana’s push for an NBA title give hope to the Blazers? • Bill dishes on the $10 billion sale of the Lakers • ... and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices